Woody Giessmann; Drummer, Painter, and the founder of Right Turn.

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BK and Frankie Hollywood interview Woody Giessmann.

Woody Giessmann became an Addictions Specialist and Interventionist in 1993 after his experience as the drummer for the rock band and Warner Brothers Recording Artists, The Del Fuegos. After confronting his own issues with substance abuse, Woody committed himself to helping others with substance use and co-occurring disorders to achieve a healthy lifestyle in recovery. This experience allowed him to see firsthand the devastating effects of drug and alcohol abuse.

Woody is a Licensed and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC-I and CADC) and Certified Interventionist (CIP) for the treatment of substance use and mental health disorders.

Woody is the founder of Right Turn. Inc. in Watertown, MA a 501C3 Non-profit established in 2003 to assist people with substance use disorder with intensive outpatient, medication assisted treatment, and an Extended Care Housing Program. Right Turn is a welcoming place where creative people in recovery can experience a sense of purpose and belonging. We have developed a continuum of evidence-based services along with a creative expression to assist individuals seeking treatment on their way to a productive lifestyle. Right Turn brings creative people together in a safe haven where they can explore their art and preserve their creative gifts.

Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts appointed Woody to The Board of Registry in Medicine (BORIM) in 2016. He began his second term in 2019 serving as Secretary as well as a board member. Woody received his BA in Human Service Management from the University of Massachusetts (2003) and a master’s Level Certificate in Community Human Service Management from Suffolk University (2005). He worked at The Cambridge Health Alliance in Outpatient Addiction Services (OAS and SOAP) and was instrumental in establishing the Cambridge Program of Assertive Community Treatment Team (PACT) for the Department of Mental Health for individuals with severe and persistent mental health issues.

Produced By Karleigh Kebartas