The Potter's House: A Christian Approach to Addiction Recovery

The Potter's House Program

• 🎯 The Potter's House, a program of Atlanta Mission, is a Christian-based recovery center for men struggling with addiction, located north of Atlanta, Georgia.
• 🏠 It operates on a 550-acre farm, providing a peaceful and quiet environment conducive to healing and rebuilding lives.
• 💰 The center is funded through individual donors, foundations, and grants, including a recent federal grant.

Program Structure and Duration

• 🗓️ The program requires a one-year commitment from participants.
• 📚 The first six months involve a learning phase with classes on addiction, brain function, Bible study, and coping skills, supported by a counselor, advocate, and social worker.
• 💼 The second phase focuses on applying learned skills, including finding and maintaining employment, engaging with the community, attending recovery meetings, and saving money.

Addressing Addiction and Trauma

• 🧠 The program addresses a wide range of addictions, including alcoholism, opioids, methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, often involving multiple substance use.
• 💡 Research indicates that over 80% of clients have experienced traumatic experiences, which are often the precursor to addiction.
• 🌱 Addiction is viewed as a symptom and a poor coping mechanism, with the program aiming to address the root causes of substance use.

Recovery and Support

• 📈 The Potter's House reported a 24% success rate in the last fiscal year, which is considered high within the field, and celebrates all progress made by participants.
• 🤝 The center emphasizes the importance of community support, with staff, clients, and volunteers looking out for one another.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family visitation, phone calls, video chats, and family counseling are offered to help maintain connections and support the client's reintegration.
• 🏞️ Access to nature, including pastures, wildlife, and a pond, is considered terribly important for fostering peace and healing.

Spiritual Component and Long-Term Recovery

• 🙏 While not requiring participants to be believers, the program exposes everyone to the message of Jesus Christ, believing a relationship with Christ strengthens recovery outcomes.
• 🚫 The program strongly recommends full abstinence from substances for long-term recovery and living a full life free from isolation.
• 🌐 More information about The Potter's House, including how to refer someone, volunteer, or donate, can be found at tphreovery.org.