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Substance use disorder (SUD) is a serious and complex health condition where a person becomes dependent on drugs and/or alcohol, often leading to harmful behavior patterns and deteriorating mental, emotional, and physical health. People affected by SUD may find it incredibly difficult to stop using substances, even when aware of the damage it causes to their lives, families, and communities. Without proper intervention and treatment, SUD can result in legal, financial, and health complications, often leaving individuals feeling trapped in their addiction.
Nonprofits and organizations that are face-to-face with substance use disorder play a crucial role in providing support, advocacy, and access to treatment for individuals battling addiction. These organizations often offer education, resources, and recovery programs to help individuals regain control over their lives. In some cases, when a person is unable or unwilling to seek help, families may need to make tough decisions to intervene for the safety and well-being of their loved ones. For many, reaching out to community programs and recovery centers becomes the first step in accessing the necessary care. CASA understands the importance of these early interventions and is dedicated to providing resources and advocating for the necessary support for the families and individuals we serve. Through community collaboration and by engaging in conversations with individuals like Jacqueline Monteiro — an inspiring survivor of substance use disorder and now a dedicated recovery coach — we amplify the voices of those in recovery as it intersects with the work we do in Worcester County. Their lived experiences and resilience offer invaluable insights and hope to others on their journey toward healing and rebuilding their lives.
Breaking the cycle of substance use disorder requires more than just individual willpower—it demands a network of support, access to comprehensive treatment, and a community that believes in second chances. Stigma and misconceptions often create additional barriers, making it harder for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. By fostering an environment of understanding and compassion, we can encourage more people to take the courageous step toward recovery. Stories like Jacqueline Monteiro’s remind us that healing is possible and that every person struggling with addiction deserves the opportunity to reclaim their future with dignity and support.
Jacqueline once asked herself, “Who grants us the right to care for ourselves?” Her answer was clear: no one. It wasn’t until everything was stripped away that she realized she had to reach for the light, no matter how distant it seemed. The more she reached, the darker it felt, as in a moment, she was relinquished from the responsibility of everything she once owned or worked for.
Jacqueline Monteiro, Recovery Wellness Coach
Despite this, she knew she had to keep trying. Her journey led her through one courtroom after another and impacted the custody of her children throughout the process. Her first attempt to save herself was through Section 35, a Massachusetts law that permits a qualified individual to petition the court for an order requiring the involuntary commitment and treatment of someone struggling with alcohol or substance use disorder. The process, meant to save her life, felt demoralizing as she was driven from prison to prison until her final stop: detox. Once again, Jacqueline found herself asking, “How did it come to this, where I am the one asking for help?” The only thing she could remember was her grandmother’s phone number. Filled with a whirlwind of mixed emotions, she picked up the phone.
The next few months passed in a fog as she detoxed for the first time at 28 years old. Jacqueline participated in group sessions discussing how they had all ended up here. She described the feeling as being trapped in a vicious cycle of seeking validation which always led back to square one.
A simple prayer echoed within her: “God, don’t let me die.” That prayer carried her to another facility, far removed from everything she had ever known. For the first time in her life, she gave herself permission. Permission to heal, permission to love herself, permission to learn how to be a better woman, daughter, sister, and most importantly, a mother.
Jacqueline set the goal to be a mother who could nurture, protect, and love her son. A mother who could say, “I no longer subscribe to what doesn’t serve me.” A mother who could cheer at her son’s games, be there for his first day of school and his last. A mother who could look him in the eyes and promise to pick him up every time she said she would. In finally learning to care for her own needs, she discovered the power and strength that comes with reclaiming her power. Jacqueline has now dedicated herself to helping others realize that recovery from substance use disorder is possible. She uses her personal experience and expertise as a recovery coach to guide individuals through their own journeys. All of her available resources for community members seeking support tools can be found below.
UPCOMING TRAININGS:
March 4-20, Tuesdays & Thursdays – 5:30-8:00pm
July 15-31, Tuesdays & Thursdays – 9:30am-Noon
Oct. 14-23, Tues., Wed., Thurs. – 5:30-8:00pm
