All for Ale-8's and Cigarettes - James Oney

The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.

People end up going to treatment for all kinds of reasons, but this one might be the best: Ale-8 and cigarettes. All James Oney wanted was to get out of his jail cell so he could enjoy Kentucky's favorite soft drink and ciggy in the sunshine, and Morehead Inspiration Center was willing to offer that.

Offering treatment as an alternative to jail time is proving to be a life-changing practice, and it makes sense. You wouldn't expect people to choose to go to an around-the-clock facility on their own, where their freedoms are limited and people are monitoring them. Some people will only choose treatment as an alternative to jail time, and that's alright.

If you give people a chance and reason to change, they might.

These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.

Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.

Need help now? Call the 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060

Contact Mountain Comprehensive Care at 606-886-8572 or online at https://www.mtcomp.org/

Keep up with The Local Lens on Facebook, Instagram (@thelocallens_podcast) or on their website.

The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).

Find Powell County CARES on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares
Instagram: @powellcountycares