Clinton resident Jenifer Campbell knows the harsh reality of addiction and all that comes with it. Having been the wife of an alcoholic, she has the mental scars to prove just how disasterous addiction can be to families.

“This really affects many of us,” said Campbell. Knowing this, she committed herself to helping her husband and many others who face battles similar to his. While she tried different programs designed for recovery, one seemed to work better for her family than others — Celebrate Recovery, and she is hoping that more will come to benefit from what his has to offer.

Celebrate Recovery, Campbell stated, is about helping people with addictions, no matter what that addiction to be.

“This is to help people with their hang ups and habits,” Campbell commented.

The program, Campbell commented, is similar to the 12 step program that alcoholics may be familiar with, and the meetings are also similar to the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

The difference in Celebrate Recovery can be found in the group’s motivation.

“We are a Christ centered recovery ministry,” Campbell commented, “We acknowledge that there is a higher power, and we clearly say that it is Jesus.”

The meetings, which take place every Friday night, 7 p.m., usually last two hours with one hour dedicated to teaching and testimony and the last hour used to break out into smaller groups to work through their problems.

Campbell stated that it doesn’t have to be addiction to bring someone to the Celebrate Recovery. In some cases, she emphasized that it can benefit with people struggling with a problem.

“It could be someone dealing with fear or food issues,” she commented.

The greatest benefit that Campbell has found with Celebrate Recovery is how much hope this gives to people. In fact, her family is part of the proof of how well they system works.

“This turned my life around,” said Campbell, acknowledging how it slowly changed her focus.

“I had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel,” Campbell noted.

Now while she encourages everyone to give this program a chance, she is also hoping to inspire some local men to be a part of this program’s mentoring.

“It has been easy to get women involved, but with men, it is much harder,” Campbell stressed.

For those interested in joining Celebrate Recovery, the group meets every Friday, 7 p.m., at Open Doors Ministry, which is located at 201 North East Blvd. in Clinton. In addition, those interested can call 910-379-4033.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.