Davin Eldridge Staff Writer
It was a “graduation day” of sorts recently at the Macon County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, as 10 more inmates completed the facility’s Prime for Life drug rehabilitation program. The occasion marked the jail’s seventh generation of alumni now “primed” for a new and drug-free beginning. The program continued its success, after its previous iteration saw seven of its students graduate. “Nine out of ten said if not for being in jail, and being clearheaded after several weeks, they would have never asked for or accepted the help of our drug program,” said Sheriff Robert Holland. Howard “Hoss” Dowdle has headed up Prime for Life since its inception. With the help of Appalachian Community Services, the program seeks to help inmates intent on breaking their addictions, through a motivational treatment program that promotes the practice of decision-making skills. “If your goal is to get clean then you really have to want it,” Holland said. “This program is for those who truly want it.” The program now boasts a total of 73 graduates.
