By Ed Kressy
Chucky Rosa lives in Seabrook, N.H., a few feet from the frigid Atlantic Ocean. It was to these waters he scattered the ashes of his sons, Domenic and Vincent, after losing them to drug addiction nearly 20 years ago.

Every day since, Chucky takes a dip in the same ocean — regardless of the weather. He does it to honor his sons, and to show others who struggle with addiction and alcoholism (he himself overcame problem drinking) that they are not alone.

It’s a spiritual experience when his skin is submerged in the icy water, but it also helps him raise money for his nonprofit, Chucky’s Fight, which funds drug treatment and other programs for people who can’t afford them.

I’d decided that on the first day of winter, I would join Chucky on his daily dip. This time of year — particularly in the pandemic — is especially hard for those struggling with addiction. I know, because I spent two decades addicted to drugs...read more