(LEX 18)– A Woodford County native who suffered from addiction for more than half of his life credits his recovery to a Willisburg facility.
One year ago, Brett Elam had his 41st mugshot taken. In it, he says he was 130 pounds and addicted to drugs. After overdosing twice in two days, he went to the Isaiah House. The second time he was revived by Narcan.
“It shows there’s a huge amount of difference. Not only physically, but also emotionally and physically, I’ve changed leaps and bounds,” said Elam. “From the moment I walked into the Isaiah House, I felt the presence of God. I felt that place was different.”
“If I hadn’t gone there, I don’t know where I’d be. I’d probably be dead at this point in my life,” said the 41-year-old.
The Isaiah House is a faith-based program founded by Mark Lapalme, a recovering addict himself who spent a lot of time in treatment.
“One of the components that was missing in my 13 treatment centers was a spiritual experience,” Lapalme said.
He is now opening his fourth facility in Harrodsburg just for women. He told LEX 18 that journeys like Elam’s make it all worth it.
“This is what we live for. I wish there were more stories,” said Lapalme.
Elam now hopes to continue his story and to help others on theirs.
For more information on the Isaiah House, click here, or call 859-375-9200.
