Our Mission is to provide–in partnership with systems, communities, and individuals–comprehensive services that help adolescents, young adults, and families recover from substance use disorders.
The 4th Dimension Recovery Center got it’s name in 2012 when we recalled a passage from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. In the passage, AA co-founder Bill Wilson wrote that working with another alcoholic [or addict] to overcome drinking [or drugs] was like “being rocketed into the 4th dimension.”
Founding members had captured perfectly what before had been difficult to explain about their nascent operation, the first of its kind. The team imagined a physical space where addicts and alcoholics could meet, socialize, and work with peers who understood their struggles. In contrast to the more established recovery pathways (institutions and jails) they well knew. Together, they imagined a community recovery center where people seeking recovery would come for one very simple reason: because they wanted to be there.
4D’s impact and recovery model has evolved since the early days when 4D’s primary purpose was to provide a safe, drug-and-alcohol-free environment where young people seeking recovery could hang out and socialize.
While many people have contributed to 4D’s growth and evolution, we owe special thanks to the early leaders, supporters, and community members who helped bring the organization’s vision to life. Through early fundraising efforts, community outreach, and a deep commitment to recovery, they helped 4D build meaningful connections with recovery old-timers, public officials, and government partners. These early efforts were instrumental in expanding 4D’s purpose and presence.
Tony Vezina, cofounder and current Executive Director, continued building on that momentum to strengthen 4D’s mission and broaden its impact. With the support of key stakeholders across Portland and Oregon, the foundation was laid for what would become a transformative, first-of-its-kind organization. Over time, 4D became deeply rooted in Portland’s recovery community.
So while 4D looks very different today than it did in 2012, its primary purpose remains the same: to discover a new dimension and understanding of recovery – together.