Western Mass communities are getting help to fight drug abuse. Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray was in Springfield to announce the $1.7million dollar grant.

Battling substance abuse has been a long road for Nicole Granger, but she has come through it tougher than ever.

"I started using substances every day when I was 12 years old. And then at 16 years old I went into treatment," said Nicole Granger.

Nicole wanted to finish high school, but knew she might not stay sober at her old school. So she came to the Recovery High School In Springfield. She says it changed her life.

"I come here and meet so many different types of people. I've learned from other students and teach younger students what I know from my experience."

Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray toured the Recovery School on Friday and announced $1.7 million for similar programs in Western Massachusetts. The city of Springfield will receive $160,000 a year for the next three years. The money will target areas like Mason Square and the South End. Officials say the grant will provide crucial resources to help at a local level. And if anyone, these students here know how much the money could possibly help.

"Kids are getting exposed to more and drugs are taking over. We need this money. We need people to see that there is another side to life other than doing drugs," said Jose Olivera, a student at the Recovery School.

Other organizations receiving money include, Girls Incorporated of Holyoke, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, and the town of Amherst.