Addiction is a disease. It’s an epidemic in our communities. So how do we best serve those who are seeking treatment for their disease?
Many addicts go to short-term residential centers where they learn about their disease and gain the tools they need for treatment. But what happens to them when they’re released from the center?
My friend, Greg, found himself in this very situation. After completing a 12-month program, Greg realized that his addiction had taken his family, job and home, and had left him with felonies and a minimum wage job. It had taken his very livelihood, forcing him to start over again.
I met Greg when he was struggling to find housing and a job. Emmaus House took him in, offering an affordable, safe and sober living environment where he could continue his journey to recovery. While at Emmaus House, Greg met other men on the same path he was on who gave him a support system and accountability—two things critical to recovery. As Greg continued to gain confidence, he applied for a management position at his workplace and was able to purchase an affordable vehicle from our partner agency. Greg’s two years at Emmaus House strengthened his recovery process and stabilized his life skills. He’s now living on his own in an apartment and sustaining his recovery.
Treatment alone is not always enough for those recovering from addiction. Aftercare is just as much a part of the fight. This is where a man or woman can continue to grow in his recovery and his life.
To learn more about the services Emmaus House offers to those recovering from addiction, visit our website.
– Joe DeMuro, Director, Emmaus Houses of Raleigh
