Akila House is located in the heart of Anchorage's Midtown. Unlike other treatment facilities that have a clinical feel, this one is designed for long-term care--meaning residents live together in a house-like setting, hold down jobs and are encouraged to stay for as long as two years.

It's a plan that's been around for decades and it's netting some startling statistics: most of its graduates do not relapse and go on to lead healthy drug and alcohol-free lives.

Support and praise is a big part of these peoples' lives. They are all here to rebuild after admitting to some devastating stories of addiction.

“So everyone admitted is severely addicted, which indicates they probably need longer time in treatment. Because all the success indicators show that the longer you spend in treatment, the better your chances of long-term sobriety are,” said Rosalie Nadeau, Executive Director.

For Michelle Allen, a former drug addict, the prospect of long-term care was intimidating.

“When I first got here I was really scared. I didn't know what to think. I had no idea what Akila was. It was just something I had to go through to get my kids back,” said Allen, resident of Akila House.

Allen's fear quickly faded. Once you enter Akila House, you are part of the family. Residents refer to each other as brothers and

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sisters and are literally in charge of running the house, from cooking to housekeeping.

“But Akila allows them to have a cognitive long-term two year program that gives a person an opportunity to find out what they need to get their life together--back on track and out into society and be functional members of society,” said Gregory Thorns, Program Manager.

Denita Goodhope is living proof. Now a house counselor, she is celebrating ten years of sobriety--sobriety she found as an Akila House graduate.

“I still have to remember that even though I would be, what you call, walking proof that it works, not everybody buys into that. I'm very passionate about trying to find ways to help them to get to see they have more choices,” said Goodhope.

... choices that are put forth during one-on-one counseling sessions, peer support groups, and just living together with those that are fighting the same battle of addiction.

For Allen, it's a combination that is working.

“It can be scary but I did it. And you know, I went through all the phases and now I'm in the last phase before graduation. And it has changed my life a lot. This program has helped me immensely. I don't believe any other program is like this,” said Allen.

And Allen's success story is not unique to Akila House. Keep in mind, this group are what the system calls severely addicted. More than 90 percent come in with criminal records, time spent behind bars and a laundry list of other troubles. Now consider this: only 20 percent have been known to relapse or find themselves back behind bars.

Despite Akila's success, its leaders tell me every year their funding gets more scarce. They rely on grants, and other non-profits.

In fact, when they are forced to turn people away, it's not because there isn't space but simply because Akila doesn't have the money to support any more people.

Bottom line: they say it costs far more to house those people in jail, which is where they eventually end up, than it does in a recovery house.

To contact Laura, call 907-273-3186