One of the many struggles for individuals with substance abuse disorders is shame. Shame and stigma are arguably the leading reasons that people do not seek help with their addictions. If someone is still seemingly functional, they are less likely to realize or admit to having an issue. This is because so many view addicts and alcoholics as low life’s with weak character. Someone who is still holding a job, maintaining a family, and/or showing up for responsibilities can absolutely be an addict and alcoholic.

As someone in recovery myself, working at a treatment center as an addiction counselor has been a pretty beautiful experience. It can be difficult seeing new clients come in sometimes because their brokenness reminds me so much of myself when I first entered treatment, but one of my favorite parts of this job is seeing how so many of them transform throughout their 45 days in the program. Part of my job revolves around initial biopsychosocial assessments: gathering all of a client’s background information when they first enter.

We have officially given our first scholarship! We formally opened Harlan Serenity Foundation November 4th, 2023. We have been continuing to grow and gain relationships. While growing a foundation is no easy task, with the help of all of you we have been able to provide our first HSF scholarship to Red Oak Recovery for an adolescent and their family in need. We wanted to share our excitement and success because with your help one more life is gaining recovery!

Addiction, classified as a disease in accordance with the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), is characterized by a persistent and recurrent condition marked by an irresistible urge to engage in substance use, repetitive behaviors, or compulsions, despite facing adverse consequences. Recognized as a brain disorder, it involves alterations in the functioning of brain circuits related to reward, stress, and self-regulation, with specific disruptions identified in the basal ganglia, extended amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.

As we bid farewell to 2023, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief. It’s not often I express such sentiments—I’m wary of wishing away time—but this year has proven to be challenging for our entire family. Amidst the trials, solace has been found outdoors, amidst nature, gathered around the firepit, toasting marshmallows, and cherishing moments with loved ones. Reflecting on these words reminds me of the profound gratitude I hold.

Happy Giving Tuesday everyone! We’re pleased to announce that we have monthly subscriptions now available! We’re excited about this development because a lot of people have been requesting this for a long time. Everyone has been working hard on making this organization successful, and we’re pushing hard to create as many scholarships as possible. Addictions are everywhere today, and we can see the incredible timely need that we’re fulfilling. The hard work is paying off more and more each day.

Addiction has always been a boogeyman of sorts that even the closest families and friends didn’t discuss openly. Recently, with the horrors of the opioid epidemic those conversations have become less taboo. It seems that everyone knows someone who struggles with addiction and many see the toll it takes on all that love the addict. The addicts need us to talk about our experiences. Loved ones, recovering addicts, and those still suffering in their bondage to substances will all be positively impacted the more we can normalize these discussions.

Our opening event located at Cultivate Climbing 173 Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, turnout was better than we could have dreamed. The love and generosity shown was welcome in all ways. We are so grateful for our board team, our friends, family and all the supporters, some traveling from different states, cities, and the locals too, who took time out of busy schedules to be available for the kickoff! I want to personally thank each and every one of you for coming.

This organization was created in honor of Harlan ‘Chris’ Squier and was founded by his family members and close friends. As an adolescent Chris struggled with substance use and made several unsuccessful attempts to get clean at traditional rehabilitation facilities. It was not until Chris was admitted to a wilderness therapy program in the mountains of North Carolina that he was able to achieve lasting sobriety. The serenity of North Carolina’s natural beauty and the compassion of the program’s therapists and guides led Chris to a spiritual experience that placed him on the path to recovery.

I am looking forward to seeing you at our opening event! Our board joined forces to open this Foundation in memory of Christopher Squier, our son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson, and friend. He fought his addiction finding recovery in the wilderness. When he left his work in the wilderness, he began working with children on the autism spectrum. He loved supporting the children. He taught me, personally, that it’s important to be at someone’s level when they are breaking down.