Chris Boland’s life was defined by alcohol until a pivotal intervention led him down a path of recovery. Now, as a beacon of hope and support for others, Boland shares his journey to sobriety, demonstrating that change is possible at any stage in life.
At the young age of 24, Boland faced significant consequences due to his drinking habits, including a DUI charge and job loss in the finance sector. Despite these red flags, it took him another ten years before he sought help. Reflecting on those times, Boland remarked, “Alarm bells should have gone off then. They didn’t, and certainly after getting in legal trouble, but you’re hanging out with friends, and it didn’t seem that far out of the norm.”
Boland’s Path to Recovery
Boland, who abstained from alcohol during his high school years in Scranton, found himself experimenting with it in college. He explained, “There were enough of us [doing this] that it didn’t seem odd, and then after college, a lot of people were able to dial it back. I certainly did a little bit, but not enough.”
After a decade of struggling and trying to control his drinking, Boland’s turning point came unexpectedly. On November 16, 2009, his family staged an intervention, offering him a chance to change his life. Boland described this as “arguably, besides being born, the most important day of my life.” With the support of his family, he entered rehab at Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center for a 28-day program.
Boland’s brother, who he coached basketball with, was instrumental in his decision to seek help. Boland wanted his team to be informed about his condition, saying, “I want them all to be able to process it. And first of all, know I’m not dead because I’m going to be off the grid for a month. But, also so they can think about it, I want them all to be able to help me and to be able to think about it when I get out.”
Today, Boland is deeply engaged in his community as a father, husband, and mentor. He serves on Geisinger Marworth’s advisory council and occasionally attends AA meetings to support others in recovery. “It gave me great perspective. I think that I was lacking on what’s important. I’m definitely a better coach and a better brother and son and everything. It’s been everything to me to have that opportunity,” he said.
Offering Hope to Others
Boland emphasizes the critical role of support in overcoming addiction. “If I had to make the choice on my own, I don’t know if I ever would have, because I knew for years that I needed to. Honestly, not to be dramatic, I don’t know if I’d be alive,” he shared, highlighting his gratitude for his family’s intervention.
He stresses that addiction is not merely a choice but a disease, explaining, “Alcoholism is actually a disease. It’s not something I chose. It’s not because I liked Miller Lite a lot.”
As a voice for others still battling addiction, Boland encourages them to seek help, offering himself as an example of recovery and resilience. “When I think of the people who are still out there and questioning whether or not they can get healthy and whether or not there’s hope and help and whether or not they’re worth it. I’m here. There’s millions of us ready and willing to help whoever needs it,” he stated.
Boland’s message is simple and powerful: “There’s help out there.” For those seeking assistance, resources are available through the ‘Get Help Now’ helpline:
‘GET HELP NOW’ HELPLINE
If you or someone you know is in need of substance use treatment or resources, contact the ‘Get Help Now’ helpline:
● Call 1-800-622-HELP (4357)
● Text 717-216-0905
● More information available at: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
