David S. — Back on Track

David grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts. He began experimenting with drugs at a young age, and over the years, he developed a substance use disorder. “Getting high was the only life I knew,” David says.

When he was just 18 years old, David was incarcerated for drug-related offenses. After six years, he was released from prison but had nowhere to go. He moved to Florida and began working in construction and on fishing boats. David did not have a home of his own during this time, but stayed with friends, all while drifting in and out of recovery.

His cycle of substance use disorder and recovery continued for several years. In May 2022, David’s life changed once again after he suffered an overdose. “I’ve lost many friends to addiction,” he says. “I decided that I had to get help if I wanted to survive.”

David moved back to Massachusetts and checked into a treatment facility. His case manager then recommended going to Pine Street Inn.

Over time, David worked with Pine Street staff to apply for housing and manage his recovery. “I love all the services offered here,” David says. “I tell others about Pine Street Inn so they can get their lives back on track like I have.”

Eventually, David secured an apartment at Pine Street’s new residence in Boston’s Back Bay. “I’ve been here for three months,” David says. “It’s a newly renovated building and my apartment is very nice. When I moved in, Pine Street supplied me with everything I needed — furniture, kitchenware, and bathroom and cleaning supplies.”

Now, David has been in recovery for over a year. “I feel so much better now that I’m in recovery,” says David. “If someone is serious about getting help, come to Pine Street Inn.”