LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Now that we have entered a new year, many people will begin to create new paths and adopt new lifestyles, even if sober.
Frank Evans reminds us that you can change your life for the better. Evans has worked with Shepherds House for several years. He offers advice to those struggling with addiction, just as he once did.
Shepherds House is a recovery center for me and women struggling with addiction. The house offers two programs: 12 months and 18 months.
“Every time I drank I was really violent, really violent. And I grew up in an abusive family and that’s really all I knew my whole life and so I would get drunk and fight and go in prison,” Evans said. “I started thinking about what I really wanted in life. Prison, death or trying something different. So I tried something different.”
Evans started drinking when he was 13. He was in and out of prison for 20 years until he came home. He learned that the first step is admitting you have a problem and humbling yourself. The next step is to commit to the program.
“The fun I have today without alcohol was one of my biggest fears. I thought I would never have fun again,” Evans recalls. “Today I have a circle around me, it’s incredible. The people around me today who love me and care about me, I love them and I care about them. It’s just incredible what I’ve had in my life, incredible.”
With the New Year coming, some people are taking the Dry January route to reduce or limit their alcohol consumption.
Dry January began in 2013 under the leadership of an organization, Change Alcohol UK. In 2023, 175,000 people have registered to participate in Dry January.
The best way to start Dry January, or just test yourself, is to start by cutting out a drink. From there, you can try cutting out two drinks and seeing how you and your body handle it.
“We’ve lost so many people to addiction and I’d like to think that their lives weren’t given for nothing, you know,” said Sean Schomp, director of operations at Shepherds House. “I hope the guests we’ve had and the work we do every day has helped raise awareness, because if there’s one thing I know, it’s our job to change the next generation.”
“I’m the alcoholic who never thought I’d get out of it and I did, so there’s hope. You know, I tell people all the time if you’ll come over and give us a minute and sit back and take suggestions,” Evans said. “And do as we ask, don’t leave until the miracle happens.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can contact these resources below:
Crisis and suicide helpline: 988
Maison des Bergers website: shepherdshouseinc
Shepherds House Hotline: (859) 252-1939