"Safe Passage" program helps recovering addict get her life back

CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Ill. (WICS) — Awhile back, we told you about a program called, "Safe Passage," something the Christian County Sheriff's Department has been doing to help with the fight against the opioid crisis.

Now we tell you about someone who's come out on top of their addiction.

Alexis Newlin is one of many who's struggled with drug addiction, but also one of many who's benefited from “Safe Passage.” Alexis said that if it wasn't for this program, she wouldn't be here to tell her story.

"The way your body needs food and water to survive, once you become an addict, you need drugs to survive. That's the first thing in the morning - you don't care about anything else but drugs," Newlin said.

An addiction that started at the age of 13, now at the age of 20.

"Literally in January, I started to realize I had a really bad problem," Newlin said.

After years of drug abuse, one day Alexis finally had enough and she decided it was time to get help through the "Safe Passage" program.

"I got into detox and went into treatment after that in Peoria for three months," Newlin said.

Because of her addiction, Alexis got her 2-year-old baby girl taken away from her. But, Alexis turned her life around.

"I will be getting her back soon; it's been six months. I have a job, I’ll be getting my license soon, I have my own place and that would have never happened if I was still addicted to drugs," Newlin said.

The Christian County Sheriff, Bruce Kettelkamp, said there is indeed a meth problem in the county, but people like Alexis make the fight worth it.

"When you see the success like what this young lady has done, it makes you feel good and makes you feel like you're really doing something good out here," Kettelkamp said.

Her grandmother said this program is the reason Alexis is alive today.

"It's the only thing that'll save your life. You're either dead or in prison. That's that," Newlin said.

If you have any questions, need any help or know anyone else who does, contact the Christian County Sheriff’s department at (217) 824-4961.

They’ll be happy to help.