Chuck Turned His Life Around

Chuck spent years caught up in addiction. While on heroin and crack, he “struggled every day to use.” It got so bad that he lost his job and his driver’s license. “I haven’t had a license in ten years,” Chuck explained. He said that life “was rough.” But last year, a friend of his sought help and started his own path to recovery. “He inspired me,” said Chuck.

Making the decision to get help was important, but it wasn’t easy. “My biggest challenge was taking that first step to get on the bus to go to rehab,” he said. However, Chuck is glad he followed his inspiration. “It changed my life tremendously.”

Chuck’s Experience at Cazenovia Manor

Chuck just wrapped up his stay at Cazenovia Manor. He was at the program for four months. While there, he experienced the program’s new model of OASAS care first-hand. Under Rehabilitation, Chuck felt that “there are more groups, they have more literature to give you, and there’s more to teach you.” With the wide range of new services and treatment available at Cazenovia Manor, the program takes an inclusive approach in order to meet the needs of people in recovery. “I’d recommend this place anywhere,” he said. “If you’d have seen me four months ago, you wouldn’t believe how I’ve changed. It’s the best feeling I’ve had in a long time.”

The staff at Cazenovia Manor had a major positive impact on Chuck’s recovery. “They’re smart and they’re really educated. They know what they’re doing,” he said. Not only do they have important knowledge about the recovery process, but they’re caring, too. “They make you feel welcomed,” he added.

What’s Next

These days, Chuck finds inspiration in his kids. “They tell me that I’m their hero,” he said with a smile. “They can’t believe I did this.” Reactions are similar across his family. “Every time I talk to my mom, she cries. She can’t believe I turned my life around.”

Chuck just moved into one of our Supportive Living apartments. Fittingly, he’s taken this time to reflect on the accomplishments he achieved at Cazenovia Manor. Chuck got his license back, he’s received life-changing dental care, he’s reunited with his family, and he even has a few job offers. Needless to say, he’s very proud of his time at Cazenovia Manor. “It feels really good,” said Chuck.