By KEN CARPENTER
Great Bend Post
There are four Oxford Houses in Great Bend with another one scheduled to open on Oct. 1. The houses help individuals suffering from alcohol and drug addiction by providing a safe, drug-free living environment.
Hailey Sickles, a 28-year-old from Larned, moved to Great Bend about a year ago to live in one of the houses.
"They told I could do a prison sentence or go to an Oxford House," said Sickles. "When I came over here, I was against the Oxford House the first two months. It took some time to accept that this is what I have to do now, this is going to be my life. It turned out to be the best thing ever."
Oxford House has been successful because it is based on a format of addicts helping addicts.
According to Sickles, residents are also involved with a 12-step program for addiction recovery.
"Working the 12 steps is big part in your recovery...for me anyway," said Sickles. "It gets you down to the nitty-gritty of yourself. Some of it hurts, but it feels like a relief after you talked about it with your sponsor."
Oxford House residents cannot use drugs or alcohol. They must work and pay rent. The houses are run by the residents themselves.
Sickles is now the president of her Oxford House. She was a guest on 1590 KVGB and 95.5 FM's County Edition on Sept. 16, 2021.
"I would also recommend church," said Sickles. "You lose that connection with a higher power when you're in addiction. Church, the steps and the girls' support at the house are good."
Oxford House residents that remain in the program 18 months or longer are show to have an 87.5% success rate of not reusing.