Stop addiction. There is an alternative.

And it all begins with a short Journey.

Troy Regional Medical Center and The Journey Detox and Recovery program have partnered to offer help here at home for those who are struggling with addictions and don’t know where to turn.

TRMC has designated a 23-bed unit within the hospital for alcohol and drug detoxification. The unit is private and confidential. No names are listed on the hospital census.

“Addictions are not moral issues; they are medical issues,” said Lamar Ward, The Journey program director. “Recovery is not a destination; it’s a journey.

“The detox program will have its own medical staff and will operate as a unit of Troy Regional Medical Center. The program will begin admitting patients on Nov. 3 and it is very important to know this program is completely voluntary. It’s private and confidential.”

Ward said there is no referral process. Anyone who is suffering from alcohol or drug addiction and is seeking help to kick the habit may enter the program on his or her own.

“All a person has to do is come and say they want help,” he said.

“However, anyone under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or guardian. The detox program is covered under most insurance programs.”

Ward said detoxification cannot be accomplished alone.

“Addiction cannot be overcome without help. Those who try it by themselves are unsuccessful,” he said.

“Sometimes, people think they can kick their habits. They want to and try to, but they cannot do it alone.”

“The Journey Recovery Detox and Recovery program provides the medical resources to help a person through that difficult five- to seven-day detox period. The Detox program is less taxing, mentally and physically, and is in a controlled, safe environment.”

The Journey includes individual and group counseling and provides a safe continuum of long-term care.

Teresa Grimes, TRMC administrator, said The Journey Detox and Recovery program is an opportunity for TRMC to reach out to those in the community who are seeking help to overcome alcohol and drug addiction but realize they can’t do it on their own.

“The detox unit is in a private area of the hospital and participation in the program is confidential,” she said.

Grimes said, too, those who are suffering from addictions wait until they hit rock bottom before they seek help.

“The Journey offers a window of opportunity for those who are on their way to down,” she said.

“TRMC is excited to be a part of this program that will change lives. We want those who are struggling with addictions to know they don’t have to hit rock bottom before they get help.

“We hope to catch them on the way down and help them understand that staying in an addiction is more painful that getting out. Journey offers them a way to get out.”

For more about The Journey Detox and Recovery program, call 256-276-4700.