A Message from the Founder and CEO

2021 was full of many successes, surprises, transitions and accomplishments. One of our biggest accomplishments was completing the move from our first location on Honeysuckle Lane to our new home on Westchester Drive. We have continued to serve our community amidst the unknown climate of the nation.

There are 62 courageous souls recovering with us in our Foundation and Alumni Care Transition programs. Even in the midst of global uncertainty, we have been able to transform the lives of those that have entrusted us with their recovery journeys. Although we have faced many challenges, we have found strength and opportunity.

Our vision is simple, a community free of addiction. Every day we are meeting our purpose daily to break the generational cycles of trauma and addiction. Will you be a part of our journey? We invite you to take a look at our new and improved website, and to follow us on social media to see how you can get involved this year. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our community with your support.

Upcoming Events

  • January 9th @ 4:30- 5:30pm: Adopt-a-Highway, 305 Westchester Drive Clean Up
  • January 17th @ 9:00am: MLK Day of Service, 305 Westchester Drive & 1692 Prince Ave
  • January 30th @ 6:00- 7:30pm: End of the Month Community Celebration, Young Harris Church
  • February 8th @ 6:30pm: ARC’s 38th Alumni Ceremony, First Baptist Church of Athens
  • February 27th @ 6:00- 7:30pm: End of the Month Community Celebration, Young Harris Church

Goodbye to Addiction Letter

Soon after our residents get here, before they can advance from Stabilization to Phase One, they write a Goodbye Letter to their addiction. Prepare yourself to be deeply moved.

Saying goodbye is never easy, and in this case it’s very difficult but has been a long time coming. The main reason it is so difficult is because of your tendency to be with me at all times like a shadow that is ever present but invisible to the naked eye. But once I recognized that you were there I realized that separating myself from your physical, emotional, and spiritual hold on me was not only long overdue but completely necessary in my journey forward in my new life.

If I let you, you would make me completely destroy myself. Many times you were there in the background tricking me into thinking you were helping me to solve my problems and numb my pain but in reality you were only increasing my problems and causing me even more pain under the guise of many substances you used to exert your control over me. And not only substances but behaviors that seemed to accompany your presence in my life.

I realize now that in order to survive you I must first survive myself. I have no choice but to confront you, to engage you, and then to erase you. All the mistakes I have made with your help have now equipped me with new found tools to fight against your control and have helped place me in an environment where I am able to utilize them without fear of your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual backlash. You left me with no other choice, and for that I am grateful.

Your desire to stay with me has ultimately become your undoing, and I am now above the fear you made ever present in my daily struggle to keep you comfortable when the whole time you were making me miserable in every way imaginable. Although I am basically having to start over again because of you this time I am confident that I can start again without you holding me back in my life.

Ultimately your greed has been your undoing, and I am finally able to confidently say goodbye to your hold on me addiction…you were a worthy adversary and while I certainly won’t forget you I will most definitely not miss you.

~ Justin B.