New treatment center opened to overcome alcoholism

Michael Jackson. Heath Ledger. DJ AM. It seems that each new week brings news of another celebrity struck dead due to alleged drug abuse -- which represents only the tip of the iceberg of the epidemic of addiction. Our society is bombarded with advertisements hawking all varieties of alcohol and even prescription drugs -- but what can be done to stem the tragic growth of this disease?

For its part, the Federal Government has recognized September as National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month -- for the 20th year! Statistics indicate that "as many as 23.2 million people in the United States need treatment for substance abuse."

Individuals are stepping up, as well, including Joe Lemon, who has committed himself to helping others overcome alcoholism and other addictions. He has opened a premier treatment center in the America's Heartland (Bettendorf, Iowa), just a short drive from Chicago.

Called "The Abbey," Lemon's rehab facility occupies a century-old monastery that was constructed for Catholic nuns. After the nuns left the property in need of substantial repair, Lemon and his family saved the building from demolition, transforming it into a luxury hotel which they operated for 16 years before finding a higher mission: battling addiction.

"It sounds like you're returning the building back to its original purpose: a place of contemplation and spirituality." That's what an addictions specialist physician told Lemon last year during a tour of his former monastery that Lemon proposed to convert to the finest addiction treatment center in the Midwest.

"I have wondered if all the history of this place has built up just for this moment -- just for the opportunity to help those in need," Lemon explains. "I can't tell you how many times the first thing a new client says to me is, 'Thank you for saving my life.' That's an amazing feeling."

Lemon and his Executive Director spent two years designing the Clinical Program, after visiting countless other facilities across the country. This September, The Abbey celebrates its first anniversary.

Like many rehab centers, The Abbey had to overcome the vigorous objections of neighbors who opposed the proposal to provide residential addiction treatment in their community. Despite shrill protests, the city granted approval in June 2008, without any further controversy.

Although it has a capacity for 46 clients, The Abbey generally runs a census population of 10-12 clients at any one time, which promotes personalized treatment.

The Abbey's program is founded on the venerable principles of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Traditional psychotherapy is augmented by a healthy dose of holistic therapies, such as yoga, acupuncture, Pilates, meditation, and massage. Meals are prepared on site by Abbey chefs who also offer "Healthy Cooking" classes for residents.

The Abbey also addresses the underlying causes of addictions and other co-occurring disorders which often contribute to the addictions themselves. "Both Iowa and Illinois have been leaders in the Riverboat Gambling movement. It should come as no surprise that we see a correspondingly high incidence of gambling addiction in our region," Lemon observes.

The past 12 months have been accompanied by a variety of notable achievements, including recognition from the Governors of Illinois and Iowa, invitations to speak at national addiction conferences, cover stories in addiction treatment trade magazines, and approval as a preferred provider for the insurance giant, Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

"Most of our clients rely on the support of their insurance companies to cover some or all of the costs of treatment," Lemon reports, "which is why the in-network status is so valuable."

The Abbey has even started a non-profit foundation to provide financial aid to those lacking the funds necessary to get treatment. Thus far, more than $100,000 in scholarships have been granted.

As for starting a new facility in the middle of the worst economic recession in more than a generation, folks at The Abbey take comfort from the observations of Dr. Ron Hunsicker, President of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers: "The disease of addiction is not dependent on a good or bad economy. We know that about one out of 10 Americans suffers from this disease. To have The Abbey available makes it much easier for persons to access treatment."

Lemon already sees a bright future for The Abbey and the clients it serves. "When I walked into our Gothic Chapel one day and happened upon a small group of clients spending their free time in prayerful repose, I realized that we were on the right path."

That Abbey Road to recovery -- the right path, indeed.