Former school gets a new life; addicts get renewed hope

It was ten years ago that Lancaster, Pa. native Charles Adams got a new lease on life. Following six years of heroin addiction, Adams is passing along his message of recovery through the operation of the Bradford Recovery Center.

The center, located in the building that housed the Mosherville Elementary School until 2012, is now home to the center, and is helping heroin users, alcoholics, and those with opioid and drug problems recover from their addiction.

A venture started by Adams and his business partner, Brad Leib, the old school was purchased in January of this year, with renovations completed and an opening in August. 

Upon opening, according to Adams, the beds that were available filled up immediately.

“We didn’t think it would fill up that fast,” said Adams of the need for these types of recovery centers. “We had to add more beds within the first month,” he added.

Those seeking help that arrive go through a detoxification period, on site, as well as a 28-day program that is catered to the needs of the specific addiction. 

For heroin addicts, Adams explained, they utilize a drug called Suboxon, an addiction treatment medication used in Opioid replacement therapy, for detoxification.

With a staff of 35 employees and 31 beds available for residents, the center also does follow up care and case management. Adams explained that they work with individual needs, and offer 12-Step programs on-site, mental health services, cognitive and behavioral therapy, and other treatments.

For Adams, though, the center is a way to offer the same hope he was given to addicts who are still suffering. 

“I had no hope for my own life,” said Adams, adding, “A program offered me hope.”

Last week, Adams shared his own story of heroin addiction, the hold it had on his life, and how he was directed to a life of recovery.

The 31 year old grew up in Lancaster, Pa. and explained that by the age of 13, he was getting high on party drugs and club drugs, like ecstasy. 

He recalled his first exposure to heroin, and ironically it was through an anti-drug film he saw in school.

“I saw it, I wanted the drug, and I pursued it.”

By the age of 15, Adams was a full-blown heroin user, and explained that he was using on a daily basis. He did, however, state that he didn’t know why it appealed to him. 

Eventually, his use drove him to living on the streets; he was using ten bags a day, which is a fraction of a gram.

He also talked of how he did anything to support his habit. “I would have done anything for the next fix,” said Adams.

Isolated and living on the streets, Adams put himself through 12 rehabilitation programs between the age of 15 and 20. But, he explained, he would get out, stay clean, and then go back to heroin.

“I was alone much of the time because I didn’t want to share my drug,” Adams added.

He also described the power that heroin use had over him.

“It’s very powerful,” said Adams. “You are dependent after a few days of using, and then if you stop you are very sick until you use more.”

By 2006, Adams himself hit bottom. He was in prison near Philadelphia for a robbery at a grocery store; a robbery he committed to support his habit. He had been in jail throughout his addiction, too, but this was his first prison sentence and his sentence was three and a half years.

The other consequences of his heroin use included the loss of jobs, girlfriends and money. 

But this time, he was tired of living the way he was, and stated that he threw up a desperate prayer. 

After fulfilling his prison sentence, Adams went through a 12-Step program and was able to get clean this time.

“If you’re not working a program, you won’t have a defense,” he said about the power of addiction – especially heroin.

Adams, himself, overdosed many times and blames the content of the drug.

“Producers are cutting the drug with stuff that is really bad, and you never knew what you were taking,” Adams added. 

He personally knew 20 people that died from a heroin overdose.

“Let’s face it,” he added, “most heroin addicts don’t grow old.”

Once he was able to overcome his heroin addiction, a day at a time, Adams operated several halfway homes in Lancaster before venturing to the area for his latest recovery center project.

Brad Leib, Adams’ business partner, introduced him to the former Mosherville Elementary School and their work, which began in January, was completed and the center ready for operation in August.

Adams had a desire to open the center because of the need he saw for this type of facility. 

“I was seeing people relapse that did not have anywhere to go for treatment because of waiting lists,” said Adams.

With 35 employees, an inpatient unit and a detox and rehab, the center caters to addictions of all types including alcohol, heroin, meth, and others.

As for the patients arriving, Adams stated that 50 percent are local, and the other 50 percent are arriving from downstate, in and around New York City. He also noted that they have a mix of alcoholics and drug addicts, and that they have treatment programs for both.

But Adams and Leib soon found out that the number of beds that they offer is not enough to fill the need, and are looking to transform a defunct hospital in Blossburg into an inpatient facility, if things work out.

“This is just part one of a two-part project,” said Adams, who noted that the current center would serve as a detox center if their plans come to fruition.

For Adams, the pursuit to help others is helping him, as well.

To learn more about the Bradford Recovery Center, visit www.bradfordrecoverycenter.com.