Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio and his Divided Sky Foundation will be opening a nonprofit substance use disorder treatment center after purchasing a home in Vermont to house the facility.
Located in Ludlow, the treatment center will be managed by Ascension Recovery Services and is slated to open at the end of this year. The goal of the facility is “to be a local asset not only for treatment, but for giving back to the community” and will “serve people from all income levels,” according to a release.
A portion of the funds that are being used for the purchase of the property was raised during The Beacon Jams, a virtual residency Anastasio had at New York City’s Beacon Theatre that began in October. During the eight-week run at the Beacon, Anastasio raised more than $1.2 million via live-streaming.
“Substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life,” Anastasio said. “And the problem is intimately linked with isolation — whether that’s isolation due to the pandemic or for any other reason. ‘The Beacon Jams’ helped us find a way to connect people and get this project off the ground. To be able to do that together during this difficult year touches my heart.”
Anastasio has first-hand knowledge about battling addiction. In 2006 he was arrested with heroin, prescription painkillers and an anti-anxiety drug while driving near the Vermont border. He was sentenced to probation after graduating from the Washington County Felony Drug Court as part of a plea deal.
Following his graduation in 2008, Anastasio said drug court had a “profound” effect on his life. “I think it’s an excellent program and it was a privilege to be part of it,” he said. “I’m very, very grateful for what has happened.”
The 56-year-old now has 14 years of sobriety. “Like so many people in America and so many in Vermont, I became addicted to opiates,” Anastasio said. “I was extremely lucky to have access to care, and I know how important it is to be part of a recovery community. I’m grateful that we can help provide that opportunity for others.”
Divided Sky is still accepting donations.
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