When I was addicted I had walked away from God and lived a life of sin. I finally saw the light and found the Lovelady Center. They helped me to get sober and taught me how to live again. Now I have a job and got to rebuild my life.
About The Lovelady Center
The Lovelady Center is a faith based residential substance use recovery program for women in Birmingham, Alabama. This long term residential program empowers women through Christian centered recovery initiatives. This helps them reintegrate into society as self-sufficient individuals with the skills to lead fulfilling lives. It’s all about hope and belief in the humanity of the vulnerable women they serve. These women include pregnant and postpartum women, moms with young children and single ladies.
The program leans heavily toward court ordered initiatives including jail diversion, supervised reentry and supervised release. This makes it beneficial to women on probation, parole and other judicial supervision. Voluntary clients from the general population are also very much welcomed. The program involves a phased process that lasts between nine and 12 months depending on when you accomplish your recovery objectives. However, residents coming directly from prison may qualify for a six month reentry program.
Their recovery approach integrates Christian based models and proven treatment methods. You’ll participate in various groups and individual counseling sessions. This is in addition to classes on spirituality, continuing education and job readiness. Emphasis is on developing solid coping mechanisms and life skills that prevent relapse. You’ll learn self care and better ways to manage stress and anger. They’ll also teach you financial and household management as well as parenting. The spiritual component involves connecting to God via daily prayer, Bible study and regular attendance at chapel or church services. So, you’ll not just gain practical skills but experience profound spiritual growth.
You must satisfy certain expectations to graduate. This includes acquiring at least 34 Loveday credits. Loveday credits are their way of measuring your recovery effort and commitment to your individualized plans. You must also obtain 34 continuing education credits and a GED if applicable. Other expectations are having a housing plan, clearing up pending legal issues and obtaining state issued identity documents.
Keep in mind that you must adhere to all program rules throughout your stay including maintaining sobriety. Their aftercare services involve ongoing support that matches your changing needs. This may include housing, employment assistance and referral to peer support groups. Comments from past clients reflect overall positive experiences and impressive quality of care.
Facility Overview
91+ Avg Length of Stay in Days
Latest Reviews
I am writing this review based on my personal experience with this center. Let me first say, I'm not a resident here nor have I ever been an addict or in trouble with the law!My personal experience is raising a child of an addict that has been back and forth to this place several times. This LoveLady Center is a "hide-a-way" for addicts running from the law and the consequences of their actions. I have attended a graduation of one of the residents. I will admit, I felt moved by what the program was trying to offer for the residents. I took the child I'm now raising to see his mother. This child and other children there that day were made so many promises. Such as I'm coming home, I have a job, I am gonna get you back, I love you, and I'm never leaving you again! All these promises have been broken over and over by his momma!I will be the first to admit that I'm not perfect. However, one thing I learned when going through effective counseling for PTSD was that I, as a mother, cannot love and help anyone until I love myself and help myself overcome my issues first. That took me almost 22 yrs to figure out.I have stepped up as well as hundreds of other families to help raise children of the residents that reside at LoveLady. Their rules at LoveLady state that they are to resolve any legal issues in order to Graduate this program. Well I call "B.S"! Some of these women have a legal, financial responsibility to pay for their children. While the women are getting foodstamps, paid housing, and clothes while working this program. We as guardians of their children are being the real heroes raising the children without help of DHR (Foodstamps, cash to help with clothes school activities or daycare)!AGAIN MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE!This program needs better organization to help not just the addict/felon but the families.Our resident have now been in/out of LoveLady 4 times in the past 2 years. There should be some sort of cut off on how many times one can enter that is not Court Ordered!This place in my personal opinion is A HIDE-A-WAY for addicts to regroup before getting caught by law enforcement!
Response from the owner1 month ago
Hi Laura, my name is Melinda MeGahee. I am the executive director of The Lovelady Center and wanted to respond to your post personally. I deeply sympathize with the disappointments and broken promises you've been handed. Addiction can absolutely result in recurring challenges, and sometimes residents do return to our program as they work towards lasting recovery, even multiple times. Our goal is to support those we serve in resolving their legal and personal responsibilities, including those to their families, though the journey can be prolonged and filled with setbacks. We will not allow anyone to avoid addressing issues. We have had many women opt to leave our program when not willing to submit to facing those responsibilities in a timely manner. I acknowledge the heroic efforts of guardians like yourself who step in to provide stability and love for children during these turbulent times. We agree that additional support for families and guardians is crucial, we should do better at that. I commit to discovering a better balance. If there are specific suggestions you have for how we can better support families or enhance our program's effectiveness, we are open to feedback and committed to making necessary adjustments. There should be some sort of cut off on how many times one can enter that is not Court Ordered! Over the last 20 years, this has been one area I find very challenging; like Jesus, we are very passionate when it comes to truth and grace, we strive hard to operate in balance of both. We do have certain restrictions, programs, and disqualifications for those who repeatedly come in. If you would like specifics on this process, please reach out to me and I will explain in further details. There is a podcast featuring a graduate who was interviewed by our Founder, Miss Brenda, my mother. In this interview, they had a conversation about the graduates' children s caregiver. I believe this could help you better understand our perspective and how we value those who care for the children: https://www.youtube.com/live/iaNLx8FAUTw?si=0W27U0GI7MYLAMqV I would love to connect with you and further discuss ways that families can be emotionally supported while their loved ones are here. My email is Melinda@loveladycenter.org. Please reach out at any time.
I just want to say I am a 9 time convicted felon, I have been to prison 5 times, and I have never had a desire to do right how ever Lovelady Center changed my life. It is a God led place, Jesus Is in this place. They took me fresh out of prison and helped to build me back up. No one cared less than I did. But that all changed while I was there. For the first time I am obedient and compliant and hopeful for the future . One woman's vision and faith, changed my life. I've been to several other drug treatment programs and none of them cared for me personally or impacted me in this way. I recommend to anyone who wants to change their life. Take the first step, take a chance. They will help you make the change !! Everyday I wake up with my children next to me, a job, a car, and endless possibilities, and it all started here !
After reading some negative reviews, I feel compelled to share my family s experience. My sister s life was saved there in 2011, and none of us ever thought it was possible she was in such a dark place. She was lost to her family, her kids, and was difficult to anyone who hadn t already cut ties with her. Today, almost 14 years later, she s living a clean, healthy life and even giving back in that same building that saved her. It s nothing short of a miracle. I ve volunteered at The Lovelady Center and seen firsthand the dedication and compassion of the staff. Their hearts are in this mission. For anyone doubting this program, I encourage you to take a closer look. Negative opinions often come from misunderstandings or misinformation. But don't take my word for it - please go by for a tour and see for yourself. Thank you, Lovelady Center, for the life-changing work you do. You re changing lives.
Rehab Score
Our Methodology
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8 / 10
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Location
Other Forms of Payment
Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Inpatient Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.
Aftercare Support Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Treatments
The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.
Drug rehab in Alabama provides medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for drug dependency. Methods of treatment often include a combination of medication, counseling, and recreational therapies.
A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.
Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Programs
Adult Program
Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.
Young Adult Program
Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.
Military Program
Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Clinical Services
Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.
Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.
In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.
Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.
Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.
Amenities
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Private Setting
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Dr. Brenda Lovelady Spahn, LHD
Founder
Melinda MeGahee
Executive Director
John McNeil
Chairman & COO
Beau Gregory
VP
Frank Long
External Affairs Director
Wendy Capps Chapman
Director of Judicial/Social Services
Tiffany Morgan
Director of KidZone Daycare
Connie Farrell
Director of Adult Education
Accreditations
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.
SAMHSA Listed: Yes
The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.
Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes
Contact Information
(205) 833-7410 
7916 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35206
Get Help Now - 334-316-9774
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Fact checked and written by:
Chika Uchendu
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW
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