Addiction can seem so hopelessly binding that addicts often think it would take a miracle to free themselves. Luckily, there's a place where such miracles happen.

The Dr. Lee Jones Miracles Happen Center on Edgington Lane in Wheeling is a non-medical, residential treatment facility for men who are chemically dependent, said Russ Taylor, program director.

"We have a 90-day program for addicts and alcoholics that provides a family atmosphere where our clients can recover," Taylor said. "Miracles Happen also has a day-intensive outpatient program, as well as a co-ed evening outpatient program."

He said Miracles Happen is "a packed facility all the time," and it covers five counties, including Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Wetzel and Marshall. Taylor described the three phases of the program. He said Phase I consists of individual therapy, daily groups, education about the disease of addiction, plus information about and attendance at 12-step support meetings.

Taylor said Phase II assists clients with education opportunities, possible employment options, and giving back to the community through volunteering. And Phase III, he said, helps clients with transitioning back to their families, including transitional housing and an overall implementation of the new skills they have acquired.

Taylor said he hopes to also treat gambling addiction by the end of the month. He noted the gambling addiction treatment wouldn't be separate, instead it would be folded into the regular program.

"The only reason I'm here as the director of this program is the people that work for me," Taylor said. "The staff is what makes the program - not me. You're only as good as your staff; no one person does this alone."

In fact, Taylor and his assistant director, Judy Kesterson, recently received two notable awards. Taylor said Kesterson won West Virginia Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse "Counselor of the Year." And Kesterson said Taylor was presented the "Lisa Grossi Award" for outstanding dedication to the field of addiction treatment and prevention.

Taylor said Miracles Happen only admits non-violent offenders.

"Once a person graduates from our 90-day program, they receive a coin," Taylor said. "Former residents can return anytime for the rest of their lives for relapse-prevention treatment - free of charge."

Taylor said one unique thing about the facility is its ''emergency bed,'' which is used for people who have finished the program but are facing high-stress problems.

"That can be the most challenging time for a person not to slip into a relapse - when something bad happens and the stress goes up," Taylor said.

He said Miracles Happen is a program of HealthWays Inc., which is a licensed, private, non-profit organization that provides a wide range of health care programs.

Taylor said in addition to the Miracles Happen Center in Wheeling, HealthWays also provides the "Passages for Growth" program in Weirton, which is an eight-week program designed to give high-impact care while the client lives at home; as well as an adult substance abuse program and adolescent substance abuse services.

Taylor said those who are suffering from chemical addictions that want help or more information on the program can call the Miracles Happen Center at 304-242-0217 to schedule an appointment for a screening.