When Craig Stedman began his career as an assistant district attorney 28 years ago, the drug epidemic facing the country was crack cocaine. Heroin or opioids weren’t even a close second. “You could count on one hand how many heroin cases we had,” he said recently. “Even at the beginning of my term as DA...
Category: Drug Addiction
Drug Court: A Beacon of Hope for the Hopelessly Addicted
When Lancaster County’s drug court first opened its doors in 2005, no one knew whether the pilot program would meet its many goals or head to the scrap heap of well-intentioned, but unworkable initiatives. Expectations were high. Drug court promised to improve public safety, save taxpayer dollars, and reduce drug and alcohol recidivism among repeat...
Entering Recovery: Lori’s Story
Why can’t you put the bottle down, stop drinking, and take care of your responsibilities? Growing up, that’s what Lori Fallon remembers thinking about two of her family members who suffered heavily from alcoholism. At the time, she just could never understand how a bottle of alcohol could control someone’s life. It wasn’t until the...
Addiction Through the Eyes of the Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission
Over the next few months, The GateHouse will be taking a look at the opioid crisis from the perspective of the public officials who are working to eradicate it through funding, public awareness, and education. We kick the series off with an interview with Rick Kastner, executive director of the Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol...
One Couple’s Battle to Raise Awareness to Recovery Aftercare with Ice Hockey
The pain never goes away. “It really doesn’t,” said Rob Barclay, father of Robby Barclay, who passed away by overdose on Dec. 17, 2017. “I know guys deal with things differently, we process things differently, but my wife is still really, really struggling with it. I am, too.” To honor their son, Ann and Rob...
What Goes into a Drug and Alcohol Assessment at The GateHouse?
Entering treatment can seem like a vast and mysterious process, which is why we’re here to break it down for you. We want you to feel confident and knowledgeable when it comes to your treatment plan and overall health. Here’s what you can expect when you come to The GateHouse for an initial assessment. Why...
Jodi’s Story
To look at Jodi O’Reilly, the first thought that comes to mind is, Here’s someone who’s got it all together. Attractive, intelligent, and charming, Jodi is the mother of two daughters, the executive director of one of Pennsylvania’s top recovery and behavioral health organizations, and a natural leader–with a sense of humor and an expressive...
Staying Healthy in Recovery: Are there Alternatives to Drugs and Alcohol?
After entering recovery, one of the hardest things to do is fill the leftover space in your mind and in your daily life. Spending so much of your time using drugs or alcohol can leave you feeling bored and unsatisfied throughout recovery, and it can often lead to relapses and addictive behavior. This is why...
Tim’s Story
Tim’s Story: Overcoming Addiction and Helping Others in Recovery “Although I knew the amount I was using was lethal, that thought wasn’t scary enough to stop me.” Tim G., Counselor at The GateHouse Many would never assume that Tim has struggled with addiction. Currently a Counselor at The GateHouse and pursuing a degree in social...
Overcoming the Stigma of Drug Addiction from Family and Friends with Education
You’re working hard to overcome your addiction, and you need the support of family and friends. There’s a stigma surrounding substance abuse, and people in your life may not understand addiction. Knowing the causes of alienation, how to educate family and friends, and how to break away from the stigma will help you throughout your...