Much like the rest of the country, Greene County is suffering from an epidemic. Opioids have taken the country by storm and has been declared a national health emergency.

There are several programs set in place for people who have completed detox and rehab, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Set up through Steps Inside, a nonprofit corporation located in Waynesburg, the programs help recovering addicts by giving them the opportunity to share and relate their experiences.

One attendee goes by Bernie. He thinks that these programs are essential and help people live a better life.

“I’m only one drink or drug away from going back to where I was, so I have to fit in NA because it’s important to remember where I came from,” said Bernie.

To make a real adjustment, Bernie believes that something has to change within the person. They need to accept the fact that they are human—imperfect.

“Everyone thinks that it’s not going to happen to them and they don’t respect it enough,” he said.

Bernie said that while the NA and AA programs are beneficial there is still room for improvement in the county. Some of the first steps in recovery involve a detox program, which is something that Greene County does not have.

“Detox here is important but they can’t get the funding for it and can’t get the politicians and community behind it,” said Bernie.

According to Bernie, the lack of a detox program becomes an issue because without it the only option is for patients to wait to be accepted into a program somewhere else in the state, or be temporarily admitted to a hospital.

Bernie said addicts need immediate care because of the physical symptoms of withdrawal.

“This keeps a lot of people from getting help because they are afraid to stop using because of the sickness,” said Bernie. “As you soon as you quit using the sickness is overwhelming and its scary.”

While Bernie has never gone through a detox program, he feels it necessary to implement and that it’s not a political issue.

“This is definitely life or death, but there are not enough opportunities for people to get help,” said Bernie. “There is no rehab unless you go into Washington County, so what the county can do is make help more available.”

Bernie found NA after being released from prison. He was in recovery before being incarcerated, and came to Steps Inside to help stay clean after being released.

“It’s not hard to find if you’re looking for it,” said Bernie. “This is a place for people who want help to get it and it’s a recharge in your life.”

Steps Inside provides a social setting for recovering addicts to gather without the threat of relapsing.

“We can’t go to the bar but we have get-togethers which are alcohol and drug free,” said Bernie. “It’s a place for people who want to get away from the same old people, places and things to have something to do.”

Bernie feels it imperative that recovering addicts get away from their old habits, or it could be detrimental to their recovery.

“That’s a very important thing,” Bernie said. “A change in people, places and things from your old habits because you could fall back to your old situa