Client Recovery Spotlight: Richard Cassidy

For many years, Richard Cassidy was able to keep going. He built a life that, from the outside, may have looked functional. But behind that appearance was a decades-long struggle with alcohol misuse that continued to escalate.

Early Experiences That Shaped His Struggle

Richard’s path to addiction began long before he took his first drink. His childhood was marked by instability, abuse, foster care, and a home environment where drugs, alcohol, and violence were always present. At a young age, he and his sisters were separated at times and forced to fend for themselves in ways no child should have to. With support from his aunt and uncle, Richard was eventually able to graduate high school and attend college, but it was there, in 1985, that alcohol entered his life and began to take hold.

At first, he believed he was the life of the party. Over time, alcohol became a daily part of his life. As the years went on, it affected his relationships and his sense of self.

Knowing He Had Enough

By late 2019, Richard knew he couldn’t continue down this path. He was drinking heavily each day and had reached a point where he felt he had lost nearly everything. Still, even in that difficult place, something in him began to shift.

In early December, a friend gifted Richard a Bible inscribed with his name. Later that night, Richard opened it and, after hours of reading, he found himself crying and questioning his life.

In the days that followed, Richard told his friends and family that he needed help. On December 16, 2019, he took himself to New England Recovery Center (NERC).

Finding Support at NERC

Richard didn’t know much about NERC before arriving. He had searched online and called to ask if they accepted his insurance. When he got there, he felt unsure and overwhelmed. His detox was difficult. He experienced serious withdrawal symptoms and questioned what he was doing. But as he began to stabilize and talk with the NERC team, something changed.

One of the most important parts of his treatment was feeling seen without being judged. Through one-on-one conversations with staff members, he began opening up about his life and what he needed to face.

That sense of acceptance and a new level of accountability were new for Richard. After years of trying to manage or avoid the consequences of his alcohol misuse, he was in an environment that encouraged honesty.

At NERC, the staff challenged him by pushing him to ask questions and prepare for what life would look like after treatment. He knew that when he left, he would have to return to the real world. He wanted to leave with a toolbox full of the skills and support he would need to keep moving forward.

Building a Life in Recovery

After his time at NERC, he received a scholarship to move into a sober home. He also continued to lean into his recovery and the lessons he had learned in treatment.

In the months after leaving NERC, Richard found himself reflecting on what he truly valued. One night, he asked himself what he would have if he could keep only the things he was grateful for. The question scared him because he realized he was not sure what would remain. So he decided to go for a run.

As he ran, he started naming the things he was grateful for. When he ran out of things about himself, he began naming what he was grateful for in other people. That moment became the beginning of what he now calls Run for Gratefulness.

Running became a way for Richard to stay grounded and share a message with others. Today, Run for Gratefulness is part of a broader mission connected to addiction, mental health, and overall wellness awareness.

Richard is now preparing for several races, including the Baystate Marathon, the Newburyport Half Marathon, and the Boston Marathon. He is also working on a book and continuing to build a platform rooted in self-reflection and hope.

Choosing Accountability Every Day

Richard describes addiction recovery as a lifelong practice built on daily choices. He credits NERC with helping him understand the importance of acceptance and accountability. Those lessons have stayed with him long after he left treatment.

Each year, Richard reaches out to the NERC staff to thank them for being part of his journey. He’s never forgotten the role NERC played in helping him rebuild his life.

For anyone struggling with addiction, Richard says, “Start by looking in the mirror and finding a way to love yourself again. Give yourself value. Don’t listen to the noise. Don’t worry about what people think about you. How you think about yourself is all that matters.”

Addiction recovery takes the willingness to ask for help and the courage to keep showing up after that first step. NERC gave Richard the tools and support he needed to begin again. Today, through running, gratitude, and service to others, he uses those tools to build a life with purpose.

To learn more about Richard’s recovery story, watch his featured episode of the Airing Addiction podcast, here.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or co-occurring disorders, call the New England Recovery Center today at 1-877-MyRehab.