Allow a safe place for addicts to recover

In Florence, there is a situation similar to that which occurred in Covington when Transitions wanted to place a Recovery Center for homeless alcoholics and other drug abusers there. People reacted to the idea emotionally and fearfully because they didn't know what was to go on in the facility and didn't understand how much a center would benefit their communities. I hope this will help allay their fears.

The only people going into a Recovery Center are homeless or near-homeless alcoholics and other drug abusers who have displayed a sincere desire to get away from drugs. They get off the street and into a residential facility when they have the opportunity to become straight, clean, sober and into continuing recovery. Residents receive 24/7 supervision, a positive community atmosphere, health care, dental care, recovery training, mentoring and continuing support. They won't be wandering around communities as they do now.

All center residents must complete the Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous 12-step program and a 26-step Recovery Dynamics program. Each resident is tested to be sure the steps are being achieved. Residents become part of a positive community where they are taught to be accountable to themselves, each other and their communities. Residents further along in the recovery process monitor and help those behind them.

The program would not cost Florence or Boone County taxpayers anything. Funding comes from federal programs and some state programs.

Gov. Ernie Fletcher wants to build 10 all-men or all-women centers in Kentucky. They will be modeled after the Hope Center in Lexington and the Healing Place in Louisville. Both helped hundreds of men and women get into recovery and to lead productive lives.

There are too few residential facilities. Many addicts end up in jail because they can't get the help they need. People who are unable to get help lose hope, which increases the risk of deaths by suicide and overdose. Within a year, two alcoholics passed out and froze to death in Covington. That is inexcusable.

All communities have alcoholics and drug addicts. But not all have the opportunity to do something positive to help them. I hope Florence doesn't miss the opportunity as Covington did. Lives depend on it.

Edward L. Smith Jr. is a member of the Northern Kentucky Mental Health/Substance Abuse Regional Planning Council.

The Enquirer