More than 500 apply for Lifeline’s program

More than 500 people from 24 counties in four states applied for addiction treatment during 2020 at Lifeline Recovery Center, Paducah’s nine-month residential addiction treatment program for men and women.

“Most of our clients are from McCracken and the surrounding Purchase area counties,” said executive director Ashley Miller, “but we have applicants from more than 200 miles away.”

In addition, Lifeline received applications from the following communities: Saline Co (IL), Montgomery Co (TN), Ripley Co (TN), Scott Co (MO), and Massac Co (IL).

The center just accepted 27 new clients in January to begin the nine-month program.

“Addiction is raging,” Miller said, “with Kentucky in the nation’s top 10 for addiction and overdoses. Everyone knows the pain it causes, so we are dedicated to fighting this disease.”

Lifeline board chair Steve Powless said its community board is focused on ways to meet the demand. “Lifeline Recovery Center may seem like the last stop for many individuals who come to us,” he said, “but we are working to show them, instead, that it is the first step to a new life.”

Miller said the center is growing to meet the need. A new men’s dormitory for 22 opened last year, and another is expected to open this summer. Classrooms and technology have been updated, and staff recently completed 30 hours of continuing education.

Besides residential treatment, Lifeline offers weekly outpatient classes to the public.

Since 2013, 63 percent of Lifeline graduates have maintained sobriety after one year. The nonprofit organization relies on charitable donations for more than 75 percent of its budget.