 "Photo: Photo courtesy of Jimmy Layne")
 "Photo: Photo courtesy of Jimmy Layne")
Jimmy Layne had been an addict since he was 11 years old. For two decades, Layne cultivated a serious relationship with drugs and alcohol, which almost ended his life.
Dave Stamper, a close friend of Layne's, said drugs consumed Layne's life.
"His No. 1 thought was drugs," Stamper said. "He put that before anything."
Layne, 41, said he always felt pressure from friends and family to seek help for his addictions, but only after he admitted to himself that he had a problem did results begin to occur.
"It got to the point where I said this is what I want," Layne said. "I don't want to do this anymore, don't want to live this way anymore. I want a new life. When I did that and truly meant it, results happened."
Layne said an average rehabilitation program would not suffice his addiction.
"The 28-day program, I'm just getting comfortable," he said.
Stamper encouraged Layne to contact the Salvation Army for help. Layne said he had always heard positive remarks about the army's assistance with drug and alcohol rehabilitation. After accepting that he could not do it alone, Layne paid a visit to the army in Huntington.
Upon meeting Layne, Huntington Salvation Army Capt. Bob Mullins said while he suspected Layne was suffering, he could not be sure.
"When he came to us, he was an addict," Mullins said. "I could not tell there was anything wrong with him. Of course his friend knew and he knew, he admitted (his problem). He was at the end, and it was time to make some changes in his life and lifestyle."
Mullins enrolled Layne in the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Dayton, Ohio. Before enrolling, Layne had to be drug free for 10 days during detoxification. Layne began rehab on Sept. 13, 2007.
While Layne was receiving treatment, Stamper visited him in Dayton.
"At first he felt like he was all alone," Stamper said. "He did not know what his next move was. He felt lost."
Layne said the toughest part about rehab was admitting to himself who he really was.
"Dealing with the shame and guilt, that was tough," Layne said. "Once I got over that, I just let God do what God does."
Layne checked out of rehab on March 26, 2008. He said he thought he was ready to begin a new life.
Layne said the most challenging part of adjusting to life after rehab was the fear of facing his past.
"You're thrown back to the same environment with the same so-called friends, the same situation you left six and a half months ago," Layne said. "What do you do? The scariest part is wondering what might happen a month from now when I do not have that protection anymore."
Layne said that while his old addictions may tempt him, he has overcome them.
"Of course I have thoughts of drugs and alcohol," Layne said. "Of course I'm tempted because I was comfortable in that situation, that's what I knew. I would wake up in the morning and seek drugs. The longer I stay clean and sober the less those thoughts even occur."
Since completion of rehab, Layne has dedicated most of his time to the Salvation Army.
"This has now become my family," Layne said.
In early October, Layne started a program in collaboration with the army dedicated to recovering addicts called the Mudslide Café. It offers them a complimentary breakfast and a chance to share stories or obstacles they may be facing.
Layne said he felt compelled to help where he believed he could.
"Being a born-again Christian, it was my debt to pay," Layne said. "It's the least I can do to try to help someone that has either walked my path or is about to walk my path and are unaware of the consequences that can happen."
During his program, Layne gives advice to those in need and answers questions they may have.
"I'm just one of them, just a friend," Layne said. "I've been through the ringer. I know what it's like. I've stared down the barrels of guns."
The café is open to anyone suffering or recovering from any type of addiction.
"Anything that causes negative consequence in your life can be considered an addiction," Layne said.
One of the greatest lessons Layne has learned over the past year is learning to care more about others.
"Before rehab, I could care less if you needed me or not," Layne said. "I could care less about you. The biggest reward for me is to have a sane enough mind to give something back, look how many years I've taken from people."
Layne is not the only one who has noticed a positive change in his life.
"He has a much better outlook on life," Stamper said. "He now has the desire to help other people where before he did not. He takes care of himself. It's been a complete turnaround."
Mullins believes the decision Layne made by entering rehab was life altering.
"His progression was wonderful," Mullins said. "It was where he needed to be at the right time and the right place. It saved his life, physically and spiritually."
Layne said going back to school is in his near future.
"This January I will be starting nursing school at Collins Career Center," he said.
Layne said he believes the organization will forever be an important part of his life.
"(The Salvation Army) is where my roots are now," Layne said. "This is my home and I'm going to take care of it. I will always be involved with the Salvation Army. They were instrumental in me getting the rest of my life back, the least I can do is devote what life I have left to the Salvation Army."
Ashley Busz can be contacted at busz@marshall.edu.
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