By John Hamilton
This September, the New Canaan Addiction Awareness Vigil marks an important milestone: its tenth year. What began as a small gathering of families and community members has grown into the largest addiction awareness vigil in Connecticut. Each year, hundreds of people gather in downtown New Canaan to remember those we have lost, support families carrying unimaginable grief, and stand beside those finding hope through recovery.
That community exists in no small part because of the vision of Paul Reinhardt, who had the courage to speak openly about his own family’s experience with addiction and loss. Over the past ten years, his willingness to share that story has helped create a place of hope, healing, and connection for an entire recovery community.
That growth tells a larger story. Over ten years, we have become more willing to talk openly about addiction. More families recognize they are not alone. And our understanding of substance use disorder and recovery continues to evolve.
After nearly 40 years working in substance use disorder treatment, I have witnessed that evolution firsthand. When I entered this profession, recovery was often viewed through a single lens, with success measured almost exclusively by abstinence. Abstinence remains an important and meaningful goal for many people. But we now understand that there are multiple pathways to recovery and that progress does not look the same for everyone.
I have watched people begin recovery in residential treatment and others find their footing through outpatient counseling, medication, mental health treatment, supportive housing, or the encouragement of a recovery coach. Some entered treatment more than once before finding what worked for them.
No two journeys are exactly alike. But one lesson has remained remarkably consistent: positive change often happens one step at a time. It can begin with asking for help after years of silence. It can mean showing up for counseling, finding a safe place to live, returning to work, reconnecting with family, or simply believing that tomorrow can be different.
We also understand that recovery is rarely linear. Like many chronic health conditions, progress can include setbacks, adjustments, and new approaches. A setback does not mean treatment has failed or that someone is beyond help. Sometimes it is part of finding the path forward.
Perhaps the greatest change I have witnessed is in how we understand the people we serve. Today, we recognize substance use disorder as a chronic, treatable medical condition, not a moral failing. We better understand the roles that trauma, mental health, family history, and life circumstances can play. And we know people are more likely to seek help when they are met with dignity, respect, and hope rather than judgment and shame.
That is also why gatherings like the New Canaan Addiction Awareness Vigil matter. For ten years, the Vigil has created a place where addiction is not hidden, where families do not have to grieve alone, and where recovery is recognized and celebrated. Every person who attends helps replace stigma and silence with compassion and understanding.
On Tuesday, September 1, we will gather again in downtown New Canaan for the 10th Annual New Canaan Addiction Awareness Vigil. We will remember those we have lost, stand beside their families, and celebrate those finding their own paths to recovery.
Ten years ago, this community made a choice to talk openly about addiction. Ten years later, hundreds of people continue to show up. That may be one of the most powerful signs of progress of all.
For event details and additional information, visit www.NewCanaanAddiction
AwarenessVigil.org.
John Hamilton is the CEO of Liberation Programs and Emcee of the 10th Annual Vigil.
