Recovery expands to assist more people struggling with substance abuse

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) — A program at Aiken County’s Detention Center is helping inmates battling opioid addiction prepare for life after release.

The recovery and re-entry program is now fully operational and expanding to help more people, according to jail officials.

“We can’t arrest ourselves out of this opioid problem. We have to really seek help and get people the resources to recovery,” said Major Nick Gallam, jail administrator for the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.

The program addresses a long-standing need in Aiken County, according to officials.

“It’s long past due for Aiken County. It’s been something that’s been needed for a very, very long time. We have seen the recidivism rate just continue to increase over time. We’ve seen the drug problem continue to increase over time,” said Kristi Bodie, recovery services program coordinator.

This year, more than 4,000 inmates have been released from the facility, with about 100 going to the Department of Corrections, so getting help at the Detention Center could be crucial.

Aylssa Brookshire, recovery and re-entry social worker, said the work is both professional and personal for her.

“Professionally, I have always wanted to go into a correctional facility as a social worker. But personally, you know, my family has a history of addiction and seeing that firsthand, I just want to do what I can to make a difference,” Brookshire said.

Program shows early results

Since Nov. 20, the program has assisted 44 men and 19 women. Currently, 30 men and seven women are receiving peer support services. In one day alone, 39 people said they wanted assistance.

“Just in the last two weeks, I think they’ve, our team’s gotten nine people placed in some type of recovery-based program after discharge,” Gallam said.

The goal is to help restore families and communities, according to Gallam.

“The more that we can restore those families and get people back being good members of our community, working, paying taxes, and just contributing, that’s what we want,” he said.

Future expansion planned

Officials plan to expand the program further, already adding programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and planning to add education services.

“It’s really just about helping the people. It’s important to me that if there’s something I can do personally to help someone get on the right track and get their life turned around, then I’m just here for that. I’d just like to see people’s lives changed,” Bodie said.