“Transforming Lives: The Shepherds House Journey to Sobriety”

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — As we welcome a new year, numerous individuals will begin to forge new paths and initiate fresh lifestyles, including those of sobriety.

Frank Evans serves as a living testament that one’s life can be transformed for the better. Evans has been involved with Shepherds House for several years, where he provides support to others battling addiction, just as he once did.

Shepherds House operates as a rehabilitation facility for both men and women grappling with addiction. The establishment provides two programs: one lasting 12 months and another spanning 18 months.

“Whenever I would consume alcohol, I became extremely aggressive, very aggressive. I was raised in an aggressive household, and that was essentially all I knew throughout my life, so I would get intoxicated, engage in fights, and end up in jail,” Evans recalled. “I began contemplating what I truly desired from life. Prison, death, or trying something different. So, I opted for a different path.”

Evans first imbibed at the age of 13. He cycled in and out of incarceration for 20 years before entering the house. He learned that the initial step is recognizing that you have an issue and being humble. The subsequent step involves dedicating oneself to the program.

“The enjoyment I experience today without alcohol was one of my greatest anxieties. I believed I would never have fun again,” Evans reflects. “Today, I have a remarkable circle of support around me. The individuals who surround me today genuinely care about me, as I care for them in return. It’s astonishing what I’ve cultivated in my life, truly astonishing.”

With the start of the New Year, many individuals opt for Dry January to reduce or eliminate their alcohol consumption.

Dry January began in 2013 under the organization Change Alcohol UK. In 2023, 175,000 individuals registered to take part in Dry January.

One effective way to initiate Dry January, or simply challenge yourself, is to begin by omitting one drink. From there, you can attempt to eliminate two drinks and observe how you and your body respond.

“We have lost so many individuals to addiction, and I hope that their lives served a purpose,” explained Sean Schomp, the operations director for Shepherds House. “I aspire for our guests, and the efforts we put forth daily, to have raised awareness because if there’s one thing I know, it’s our responsibility to influence the next generation.”

“I’m the alcoholic who never thought I would escape it, and I did, so there is hope. You know, I always tell people that if they would just come in, give us a moment, sit down, and take our suggestions,” said Evans. “And adhere to our guidance, don’t leave until the miracle occurs.”

If you or someone you know is facing addiction issues, you can reach out to the following resources:

Crisis and Suicide hotline: 988
Shepherds House website: shepherdshouseinc
Shepherds House direct contact: (859) 252-1939