How a gym near Mass. and Cass is helping people stay sober

For most people, April 8, 1997, was just another Tuesday. For Scott Strode, it marked the start of an entirely new life.

It was his first day in recovery from cocaine and alcohol, a milestone he still cherishes, even if he did have to look up the exact date to make sure he had it right (to his delight.)

“It’s always a gift to be sober long enough that you have to look it up,” he told Boston.com in an interview.

Scott Strode (center). (Photos by Danny Bristoll) – Danny Bristoll

Strode, a South End father of two, grew up under the power lines of childhood trauma. His father suffered from untreated mental illness and his step-father from untreated alcoholism. This led his self-esteem to suffer, he said, which fueled the flames of his addiction.

At the time he began recovery, Strode wa