Pittsburgh Ranks Among Top Cities With Chronic Abuse Problems

Pittsburgh and its surrounding cities now rank among the top U.S. cities with chronic abuse problems.

“I was pretty close to the end. I was in a pretty big downward spiral,” said recovering alcoholic Michael.

Michael is one of nearly 150 nearby residents treated at Arche Wellness tucked back in the scenic surroundings of Allison Park.

Arche specializes in orthomolecular recovery programs, using mostly IV vitamin therapy. Erin McClelland is executive director.

“Well, we are your addiction specialists,” McClelland said.

Caught in a profession where elbow tipping was expected, Michael awakened one morning a full blown alcoholic, drinking every day until he passed out.

“I lost my fiancé, lost my job. I lost the trust of my immediate family,” Michael said.

Desperate for help he returned home to a willing family.

“I worry every minute of every day. I'm waiting for the day that he says ‘I'm back’ but it's not there yet,” said Michael’s mother, Lynne.

Alcohol addiction is second only to heroin addictions. Arche Wellness is treating hard-core heroin addicts including teenagers who start stealing prescription drugs from the family medicine cabinet.

“They move to the heroin and by the time anybody in their family realizes that it's going on they're at a five year addiction,” McClelland said.

Arche Wellness incorporates physical training including weightlifting, and one on one counseling. It’s only one of dozens of treatment facilities in Western Pennsylvania and most are at full capacity.