Substance use prevention works. Connection, treatment and recovery support matter, too.
When “Joe” first connected with Howard Center’s Chittenden Clinic in 2023, he was taking the first steps toward a very different future.
At the time, Joe was experiencing active substance use involving multiple substances and facing criminal charges that could have resulted in a lengthy period of incarceration. In early 2024, he was accepted into Howard Center’s Treatment Court program, where he continued working toward recovery with support and treatment.
In less than three years after first connecting with Howard Center, Joe achieved long-term sobriety, successfully graduated from Treatment Court and transitioned off medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
But his story didn’t end there.
Turning Recovery into Opportunity
Today, Joe is an active member of the local recovery community. He maintains full-time employment and intentionally provides employment opportunities and support to people who are early in their own recovery.
The experiences that were once part of a difficult period in Joe’s life have become a way for him to connect with and encourage others.
What began with reaching out for help has grown into a life rooted in recovery, purpose and giving back.
Substance Use Prevention
Substance use prevention is about more than preventing someone from using a substance. It includes education, early intervention, reducing risks and making sure people and families know where to turn for support.
It also means recognizing that help can make a difference at any stage.
Learn. Prepare. Connect.
Learn about substance use and overdose prevention
Knowing the risks, recognizing the signs of an overdose and understanding when and how to get help can make a difference.
Be prepared to respond to an overdose
Howard Center’s Safe Recovery Program provides free, anonymous naloxone overdose-reversal kits as well as fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
Support children and young people
Early support can help children, teens and families navigate mental health, substance use and other challenges. Explore Howard Center’s services and resources for children, youth and families.
Connect someone with support
Howard Center’s Street Outreach and Community Outreach teams connect people with services for substance use, mental health, housing and other needs throughout Chittenden County.
Explore treatment and recovery services
Howard Center offers a range of substance use services, including outpatient counseling, medication treatment, Treatment Court, Pine Street Spoke and other community-based supports.
Prevention Starts with Connection
Knowing the signs. Having conversations. Reducing risks. Reaching out early. Knowing where to find help.
Each can be part of preventing substance use and its impacts in our community.
And when someone is already experiencing a substance use disorder, compassionate treatment and recovery support can help create another path forward.
Joe’s journey is one example of what that path can become.
Help Is Here
If you or someone you know has questions about substance use or is looking for support, Howard Center can help identify the right next step.
Call Access and Intake: 802-488-6000
Explore Substance Use Resources & Overdose Prevention