Salvation Army boosts addiction recovery efforts with campaign to prevent relapses

(WJBK) - The Salvation Army is taking new steps to help those with addictions in recovery by catching them before they relapse.

The Adult Rehabilitation Center has launched a campaign to serve as a catalyst between the ARC and other organizations along the road to recovery.

"We thought it was important that people hear that we have open beds for those who are suffering and in the grips of addiction. We think it's so important that people know that they can come here," said Lynne Williams, director of rehabilitation services.

No insurance, no money, no worries -- they say to come with the clothes on your back. There are 313 beds at the men's facility on West Fort Street and another 91 at the women's campus in Romulus.

"We just want you to know that we are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They can come in in the middle of the night," Williams said.

The Salvation Army has helped judges and police officers and football players. They say addiction doesn't discriminate and treatment just might save your life. In fact, it did for Leonard Dalton, who started doing drugs when he was only 11. On Friday, he'll be 59.

"I did all drugs - crack cocaine, heroin, alcohol," he said.

Sober now, he works security for the Salvation Army and says it's truly been his salvation. Charles Austin is hoping for the same.

"I came here to get sober, get my life back together and so far it's working really good. I got hired in. I'm going to go get my own place in a couple weeks and continue staying sober," he said.

John Coffee says they have a large alumni crew.

"People that have completed the program - they are doing good. They are successful," he said.

The 6 month program includes a 40 hour work week, classes on addiction and relapse prevention, and there are Sunday services.

"There are many women that have completed our program that have gone on to regain their children and get their children back into their life," Jacqulynn Idzior said.

Every time you donate items to the Salvation Army stores, you're helping people beat addiction.

"Folks donate to us (and) we sell those items in the store. The money comes back into this program," Major Larry Manzella said.

It's a program that is absolutely free to those in need.

"Help is here - we have empty beds - all it takes it their willingness to step forward," Manzella said.

Call (313) 965-7760 extension 234 for help.