- Odyssey House opened a new sober living facility in Murray on Wednesday.
- The facility, at 671 E. 4800 South, offers transitional housing and essential services for up to 20 people.
- Funded by the state and opioid settlement dollars, the facility aims for clients' complete independence.
MURRAY — Utah continues to report some of the lowest substance abuse rates in the nation. However, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, gaps remain. Officials say 1 in 8 adults in Utah still struggles with substance use disorder, highlighting the need for more accessible recovery resources.
That's where Odyssey House comes in. It is a new sober living facility offering hope and healing to individuals recovering from substance abuse.
The new Odyssey House location is at 671 E. 4800 South in Murray. It is designed to provide transitional housing and essential services for up to 20 people working to rebuild their lives at a time.
Among them is Jacob MacFarlane, of Salt Lake City, who knows firsthand how addiction can unravel everything.
"I got caught up in the prescription drugs," MacFarlane shared. "(I) didn't even realize what a physical addiction was until I started getting sick when I didn't have it."
His addiction began after a surgery — an experience mirrored by many folks. What started as pain relief turned into dependency.
"Just kind of fell in love with it," he said.
That dangerous love cost him dearly.
"(I) threw away a 15-year marriage, a house (and) a 17-year career at the Postal Service," McFarlane said.
Eventually, MacFarlane hit rock bottom and landed in prison. But his journey didn't end there.
"It's been a ... rough road," he admitted.
That road led him to Odyssey House. Even after a brief relapse, the tools and support within the program helped him gain new awareness and take control of his recovery.
"Drug use is at the very bottom of your relapse cycle. You don't relapse when you use a drug. You relapse long before you ever use a drug," McFarlane said.
Now, he is choosing sobriety on his own terms.
"I'm here on my own this time," he said. "I'm not court-ordered to be here."
And McFarlane is feeling the positive impact.
"And being on your own, doing it on your own — it's such a great feeling," he said.
A community effort backed by state and local leaders
The opening of Odyssey House was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city and state officials. The facility is funded through opioid settlement dollars from the state of Utah and Salt Lake County — resources leaders said are being used wisely.
"The goal is complete independence for our clients," said Adam Cohen, president and CEO of Odyssey House.
"(I) got to tour the property, the house over here, and I just love it," said Utah Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville. "It's amazing; what a positive place to stay."
"I know that the individuals ... will benefit from this amazing housing, a safe place," added Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson.
Odyssey House is more than a building — it's a lifeline for those ready to reclaim their lives.
Photos
Most recent Salt Lake County stories
Related topics
Jodi Reynosa
