by Mark Fowser
Sep 28, 2026 – 3:45 pm
“Recovery Month” is bringing hope and progress in reducing suspected overdose deaths in Delaware, and getting people who deal with substance use disorder on the right path.
Involving peers in recovery seems to be making a difference.
At The Impact Life Recovery Café, which opened on North Union Street in Wilmington in 2024, Director Teddy Chambers said they open their doors daily for people in various phases of recovery. The morning will begin with meditation check-in.
“Also, we talk about what are your goals for the day? How are you feeling today? What concerns do you have?” Chambers said. “If you’re here long enough, a lot of us have a lot of concerns – some of them real, some of them not real.”
Recovery centers may not offer clinical treatment or beds, but according to Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Director Joanna Champney, they are a critical link in Delaware’s system of treatment.
“They provide a place where people can connect and find community, build connections and develop positive habits,” Champney said. Monday, she also updated the community about an encouraging trend: suspected drug-related deaths in Delaware were down about 37% during the first eight months of the year compared to 2025.
Crystal, who spoke at Impact Life Recovery Café, said she had been sober since May 2025. After beginning regular visits to the facility, at one point, she relapsed.
Initially, Crystal felt shame – but, “I knew that I could come back and have no judgment, my peers will welcome me back with hugs, the staff will welcome me back with ideas and support and things of that nature.”
“I’m massively thankful for this place.”
View article and video: https://www.wdel.com/news/video-recovery-community-centers-and-their-role-in-reducing-the-toll-of-addiction/article_717c5a2c-7b91-4826-a166-926fff8a3aff.html#/questions/