WORCESTER—Breathing, mindfulness and movement was the focus as Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. hosted a community event this week focused on holistic recovery from substance use disorders.
Held Oct. 23 at Veterans Inc. in Shrewsbury, the half-day program gathered recovery advocates, health professionals, and law enforcement through Early’s Prevention and Support Network. The goal was to examine how mind-body practices can complement traditional treatment and strengthen recovery for individuals and families.
Keynote speaker Linda Geraghty — a trauma-informed yoga instructor and family recovery specialist featured in the award-winning documentary Our American Family — spoke about the deep connection between trauma and substance use. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, she urged attendees to look beyond addiction’s symptoms.
“Addiction is relentless. We often try to hide it while our families get sicker,” Geraghty said in the announcement. “Engaging in open conversations is crucial to truly understanding this disease, and that understanding is vital for the family’s healing.”
Geraghty discussed how stress and trauma manifest in the body, and how practices like yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness can help release those patterns and rebuild trust. She also emphasized that addiction’s impact extends to families, and that recovery begins with compassion and consistent support.
A panel of wellness professionals built on those ideas with practical examples. Panelists included Kellie Hamilton of A Better Path to Wellness; clinical biochemist Phil George; wellness practitioner and recovery coach Jacqueline Monteiro; Revive of the U.S.A. co-founder Anthony Bizzotto; and personal trainer and L3 CrossFit coach Heidi Moody. Each described how nutrition, movement, mindfulness and community engagement can reinforce emotional balance and long-term recovery.
Attendees also participated in guided mindfulness and movement exercises, offering a chance to experience firsthand how these approaches can reduce stress and improve focus.
Early commended the speakers and participants for their collaboration and compassion, noting that tackling addiction requires every part of the community to be involved — from health care and treatment providers to schools, clergy and law enforcement — working together to reduce stigma and build understanding.
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