Across the country and around the state of Pennsylvania, there are very few lives that are untouched by the effects of the national opioid crisis. It’s true in our small towns, it’s true in our big cities, and it’s true right here in Lancaster County. In the halls of state government, Pennsylvania lawmakers are actively...
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...
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...
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...
Today, we proudly announce our newly redesigned website, GateHouse.org, the online home of The GateHouse. The site’s new look is just one part of the overall shift toward providing more great content for the recovery community. Check out these great new features: More Intuitive Navigation This cleaner, more attractive design allows for easier navigation around...
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...
Whether you’ve been in recovery for a long time or you’re just beginning your journey, it can be difficult to stay motivated and continue working toward lifelong recovery. Here’s a list of inspirational quotes to help you keep a positive mindset and stay on track with your goals. “You were never created to live depressed,...
