HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Over on Hickory Hill Lane, the Adam House is a men's recovery center operated by the Life or Death Recovery Services. It provides up to a year of sober living for almost 30 men in the community. It's one of two locations for the nonprofit here in Madison County.
The service brings in former prisoners and men struggling to make ends meet, giving them structure and a place to stay while they work toward sobriety.
Executive Director of the Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences (AARR) Curt Lindsley said, "That's a focal point for the programming that they do is to help people work on their recovery from substance use disorder." And that's why the AARR chose to certify Life or Death as the first state-recognized men's recovery center in Madison County.
"It makes a big difference having a certified program because this means this program is meeting or exceeding national standards," Lindsley said. "They are really providing the help and support that men in recovery from substance use disorder need to be able to change their lives."
Life or Death Board President Ryan Adams said Life or Death is providing "connection and accountability and maintaining that connection to a recovery community" to its residents so they can get sober.
The AARR said the service meets national standards in the areas of health care, providing safe housing, providing activities for residents and bringing them together into a community.
"You now have people that were taking from society are now giving back. They're working. They're paying taxes. They're contributing. They're building bridges, literal bridges that is, as well as a bridge for their life. We wanted to be a place where we could provide that hope and healing for people that struggle," Life or Death Executive Director Erich Durham said.
Those who make it through the year-long program get assistance with housing, clothing, finding a job and transportation. They also take part in classes that help them cope with the recovery process.
With this statewide recognition from the AARR, Life or Death Recovery Services plans to open new locations in a wider area. But because it's a nonprofit organization, they're looking for donations ahead of the holidays.