Mickey S. is a current resident in Phase III, the sober living stage, of Turnbridge’s long term drug treatment program. After years of pain and suffering due to his addiction, Mickey has found himself getting the help he so desperately needed to realize his potential.

Mickey, the youngest of four siblings, grew up in Weston, CT.  Being the youngest, Mickey “felt like [he] was always left out.” He began his substance abuse early in 7th grade, and progressed from there.  Mickey’s use escalated in high school as he began experimenting with opiates and benzodiazepines. While playing lacrosse, Mickey suffered a serious arm injury that required surgery and led to him being prescribed narcotic painkillers.

As Mickey’s entered his junior year in High School, the often overwhelming process of college tests and applications began. Mickey had goals to go to a good school and, as a result, made the decision to stop smoking marijuana. “The smoking stopped, but the drinking heavily increased,” said Mickey.  “A lot of kids started not to like me cause I was such a slob. I didn’t like myself sober, but nobody liked me drunk.”

Mickey was accepted to Boston College in Massachusetts. Here, he was introduced to cocaine for the first time.  “I told myself that being introduced to cocaine was the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Mickey. “I finally feel good about myself for once.” 

Mickey made it through his freshman year of college, but during his sophomore year his use began to catch up with him.  “I always needed something to get me high,” said Mickey.  His cocaine use escalated.  It became an all day, every day occurrence. One fateful day, Mickey found himself under arrest, following a search of his campus dorm in which drugs were found. “This was the first time I told my parents I had a problem,” said Mickey. “I wanted to end it all because I hated what my life had become.”

Following advice from a therapist and his lawyer, Mickey entered an outpatient treatment center.  Prior to his discharge, the idea of a residential drug treatment program came up and Mickey was initial adverse to the idea. Mickey had an important choice in front of him. “It was life or death,” he described.  Mickey ended up accepting the opportunity.  “For once in my life, I talked about how I was feeling and it made me feel better”

In January 2015, Mickey entered drug rehab at Turnbridge. It was only a matter of time before he started feeling better. Mickey embraced an active lifestyle, and demonstrated a willingness to reach to other for help when needed.  “I started being a lot more okay with things that were out of my control,” said Mickey. 
Today, Mickey has wonderful relationships with friends and family. “I am extremely grateful for the support of my family,” said Mickey. He is currently working a full time job and has his mind on recovery. “It’s almost exciting having a whole new life ahead of you,” said Mickey.