Meet David, Our Amazing client

Getting sober in 2019 after abusing alcohol and opioids for more than 20 years didn’t alleviate David’s anxiety, depression and anger. When the COVID-19 pandemic began,“my life was pretty much out of control,” the 40-year-old said. He floundered, and lashed out at loved ones.

His fiancée became sober with NewBridge Services’ help and convinced him to give it a try. “I wanted to better myself, and move past all this,” he said. In July, David began weekly sessions with NewBridge counselor Katherine Rella. (He also connected with a NewBridge psychiatrist to manage bipolar disorder.) Sessions initially were by phone because of the pandemic, which suited David; social anxiety made in-person encounters uncomfortable, he said.

Rella helped him develop coping strategies, beginning with creating a daily to-do list that led to a steady routine. “NewBridge has helped me become more confident, to rely on myself and not drugs and alcohol to get through daily life situations,” said David, who works as a handyman and is training to become an electrician. Long estranged from his siblings and aunts, the West Milford resident has reestablished relationships with them.

“I still deal with issues, but with the help of my family and NewBridge, I can cope,” he said. “NewBridge cares about me and how I’m doing.”