DUBLIN, Ga. — More than 19 million American adults battled a substance use disorder in 2017, according to the most recent numbers from The National Survey on Drug Use and Health. One Dublin man is working to change the lives of men across Central Georgia battling addiction.
John Ivey says it was his late stepfather, Glyn Melton, who inspired him to open up the center he uses to help others. Melton helped people with substance abuse problems, and dreamed of one day opening up a residential program.
"But if I did not like it, and enjoy it, I would not be doing it after 20 years," Ivey said.
To say Ivey is passionate about rehabilitation would be an understatement.
"I am a recovering alcoholic and was involved in recovery myself," Ivey said.
Ivey says his stepfather put him on a pathway to help others.
"And he asked me to go work for him in '97 in the DUI schools, that's where I started, I taught DUI school for a while, and really decided I like this occupation," Ivey said.
For years Ivey helped people battling addiction but decided to change gears after Melton died in 2016.
"This kind of business here, the treatment center, was something he wanted to do, and he left me some resources," Ivey said.
Six months ago, Ivey opened up 'Glynn's Place' off of Church Street in Dublin. Ivey not only runs the recovery center but has the education and certifications to help out.
One of the first people to sign up Cody Robinson.
"I feel a lot better, I feel like I can actually progress in life," said Robinson.
At Glynn's Place, eight men go through a 12-step program, hours of counseling, and AA meetings. The goal is simple -- to give people like Robinson a chance to be sober and independent.
"This is a great place, I am really glad I chose it," Robinson said.
Ivey says the men work, wash their own clothes, cook their own food, and have chores, in order to prepare them within six months to a year to live life by themselves.
"Recovery is small steps, doing the small things over and over again, having a routine, having accountability," Ivey said.
The men do have to pay $250 a week, but Ivey says that money covers everything for them.