Nate Young, the police chief of Bar Harbor, Maine, was placed on administrative leave in October due to a drunk driving allegation. Now, according to the Bangor Daily News, a Maine newspaper, Young recently announced that he spent 31 days in a rehab facility.
Despite his recent treatment for alcoholism, Young denies that he was under the influence during a September 25 incident in which he drove away – allegedly intoxicated – from other police officers who were checking on his well-being.
Young admitted to the source that has been battling alcoholism for “several years,” but he never let his drinking affect his work. He also suggested that family issues were to blame with his problem with substance abuse. On the night of September 25, the police chief was found slumped over the steering wheel of his pickup truck in the parking lot of a local business. When two officers approached him, Young began to behave erratically and sped away.
After being placed on leave, Young said that his drinking worsened and a friend advised him to seek treatment.
“My life was becoming unmanageable,” Young told the publication. “[Getting help] is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.”
He said that he has not had any alcohol since October 16, the day that he entered the treatment facility. Young decided to make his story public to inspire others to seek treatment.
If someone you love is abusing alcohol or drugs, you should do everything in your power to help them. Contact Intervention Services today to learn how a professional interventionist can assist your friend or relative.