Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious issue. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the U.S. One in every 12 adults suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence, along with several million more who engage in binge drinking.

Addiction is defined as a “chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug use, despite harmful consequences,” according to the NCADD’s website.

There are many reasons why people choose to experiment with drugs or alcohol. Many people try it out of curiosity, as a way to fit in with a particular social circle or to ease stress or depression. Once addicted, however, many people find it difficult to stop drinking alcohol or taking drugs and this behavior often leads them on a downward spiral that can often be difficult to overcome.

In Pearl River County, there are two recovery centers that people with addiction can go to in order to receive the help they need.

Jacob’s Well Ministries currently operates two centers: Jacob’s Well Recovery Center for Women and the Damascus Road Recovery Center for Men, both in Poplarville. Both centers are privately owned and operated non-profit outreach centers of Jacob’s Well Ministries.

It’s vital that people get the help they need in order to avoid jail time and begin their journey down the road to recovery.

We commend those who try to overcome their addiction by seeking help. It takes a strong person, especially if he or she does not have a positive support system.

Not only will recovery centers and rehabilitation programs help individuals and their families, they will also help decrease the number of drug-related activities in the county.

While drug and alcohol addiction is something that many people avoid talking about, it needs to be addressed in order for people to get the help they need to free themselves from addiction.