Louisville, KY (WDRB) -- Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem in Kentucky.
The Oxford Sober Living House on Deerwood Avenue in the Highlands is the only house of its kind in Kentucky for veterans. It's a safe place in Louisville where veterans can get their lives back on track.
The American flag flies proudly outside the Oxford House. Inside, it's a place veterans can call home where music is also therapeutic.
They try to make everyone feel comfortable. Dustin Gross, an Iraq War veteran, says, "As soon as I moved into this house, we got the big screen TV, the Xbox, all the movies are mine."
There's only room for seven vets there. They've overcome prescription drug and substance abuse problems. Tuesday marked exactly 14 months since Gross has been sober. He became addicted to pain medication after his foot was injured from an IED that blew up underneath his Humvee. He says the home has saved his life and other residents feel the same way.
Resident John Blandford says there are reasons why this house means so much to him, "To be responsible, get my ducks in order, so that 18 months, two years, a year down the road I can get a place of my own and move on out of here and be a part of the community."
Resident Tim Summers says, "I didn't have a place to live and I was on the street, so this has really been an opportunity for me. it's unreal how much it's helped me."
Half of the residents are recovering from prescription drug abuse, so to make sure people are not tempted, all prescriptions are locked up.
A veteran himself, owner Charles White says this house has become a ministry that he started four years ago after wanting to do something for the community.
White says, "Our official role is landlord. Our unofficial role is we're friends. It feels good that we help these guys not only get off the street, but help them in their time of recovery."
Residents are allowed to stay there as long as necessary. They pay rent, share bedrooms, and run the house. For some, it's exactly what they need to get their lives back on track.
Gross says, "A place like this where we rely on each other so heavily is a true blessing not only for the addiction alcoholism, but veterans, military, that we can just understand each other all around."
When there are openings at the house, they go fast. Veterans have to apply and are selected by the current residents.
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