In Jones County, Mississippi, a new addiction treatment program inside the local jail just graduated its first class, and the seven men who finished it say it gave them something many had not felt in a long time: a sense that someone believed in them.
The Jones County Adult Detention Center launched the program earlier this year, according to WDAM. Over 12 weeks, it teaches a mix of spiritual and clinical steps aimed at helping participants stay in recovery. This past week, the first seven graduates received certificates of completion.
How the Program Works
The classes are led by Pastor Brent “Tank” Gilbert, who has been in recovery for 14 years, and Dr. Joshua Everett, who owns Cypress Counseling Company in Laurel. The two combined a faith-based approach with clinical counseling, and they say the change is already visible.
Gilbert said he has been told participants’ behavior in the jail improved noticeably, to the point that other inmates have started asking to join. The program is entirely voluntary, which leaders say means each of these men chose the change for himself.
Building a Bridge to Life After Release
One of the most practical features is what each participant carries out the door. Every student gets a folder that fills up over 12 weeks with lessons, worksheets, and most importantly, resources for after release.
Everett said the folder includes everything from therapy services to phone numbers for setting up housing or insurance, along with the counselors’ own business cards.
The message to graduates is simple: when you get out, reach out. That bridge from a structured program back into everyday life is often where recovery is won or lost.
Understanding Addiction and Why Support Matters
Substance use disorder is a treatable medical condition, not a failure of willpower. Common signs include using more of a substance than intended, being unable to cut back, neglecting responsibilities, and continuing to use despite harm to health or relationships.
Recovery tends to hold when people have connection and follow-up support rather than isolation. That theme ran through what the graduates told WDAM. Graduate Adam Thrash, who said he has struggled with addiction off and on for years, felt this time the change would take hold.
Justin Morrison said that having people who promise to pick up the phone when he needs to talk is something a lot of the men never had before.
Finding Addiction Treatment in Mississippi
Programs like this one work best when they connect to ongoing care in the community. If you or someone you love in Mississippi is looking for the next step, you do not have to navigate it alone.
A few actions to take: search addiction treatment centers in Mississippi, ask any program how it supports the transition after release or discharge, and confirm what insurance or payment options a facility accepts.
Addictions.com lists verified treatment centers in Mississippi and nationwide. Call
800-681-1058
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