Madison Recovery Center – Laborer’s Union Magazine

Madison Recovery Center:

Laborer’s Union Magazine

Jack McKenzie MRC

Recovery and the Job Sites

After years in construction management, Jack McKenzie found recovery. Now, he’s giving back to the community with a new treatment center in Madison.

Jack McKenzie spent over a decade building a reputation in the construction industry, managing his family’s construction management company and overseeing the development of more than 750 multi-family apartment units. His journey from construction manager to owner of Madison Recovery Center, an addiction treatment center, was fueled by a personal battle with addiction.

 

McKenzie acknowledges that the mental and physical demands of construction work, from setting roof trusses to handling nail guns and saws, can take their toll on laborers. “Working with heavy machinery for long hours can be taxing,” McKenzie explains. “Compared to a desk job, the risks are higher for minor or major injury. There are guys that fall. Everybody that I worked with has a story of knowing someone being seriously injured or killed.”

 

McKenzie himself struggled with addiction. “At different points in my career, I was trying to manage my alcoholism and prescription pill addiction,” he recalls. “Getting up and ready for the job, taking something for the pain, and then heading to the job site. Addiction is rampant. The culture in the construction industry often involves trucks and vans leaving the job site at 3PM to get cases of beer.”

 

McKenzie notes that while blatant drug use was not common, the presence of prescription opioids, amphetamines, marijuana, and alcohol was undeniable. “With the inherent risk of the job and the injuries that do happen, it’s harder to crack down on prescription opioids. The drinking culture is active, and for some people, it’s a part of dealing with the stress and pain of the job.”

 

His personal struggle with addiction led McKenzie to a turning point. “Getting sober and being in recovery has allowed me to handle the difficulties of my job much easier,” he shares. “Before, I was just doing what I could to get through the day. Being sober and working a program, I can anticipate and be more proactive, rather than just getting along.”

 

This newfound clarity and purpose inspired McKenzie to open Madison Recovery Center, a new treatment facility in Madison, with co-founders Jillian McCarney and Doug Penny. “The main goal is to help someone deal with addiction, learn coping mechanisms to live a life of sobriety, and gain skills to deal with the hardships and get back into real life,” he says. “We teach life skills like health and nutrition, mindfulness, and time and money management.” For McKenzie, the end goal of MRC isn’t just sobriety. “It’s about allowing people to be a productive member of their family, workplace, and society, and to have a satisfying life for themselves,” he emphasizes.

 

McKenzie understands the unique challenges faced by laborers. “Working in the trades is a rewarding career. Taking something off of a blueprint and making it into reality is extremely rewarding, but we all still struggle just like the rest of America. We’re just not as vocal about it.” He points out that the “tough-guy” persona on job sites can hinder men from seeking help. “For men, the concepts of toughness and masculinity make it hard to have the courage to be vulnerable and tell someone you’re struggling. ‘Rub dirt in it and keep going’ is the dominant attitude, which makes people suffer longer than they might in another culture.” Plus, mental health conversations are rare on job sites, according to McKenzie. “In corporate America, there’s more appetite for conversations about how you’re feeling. On job sites, not so much.”

 

While Madison Recovery center primarily offers in-person outpatient treatment, it also offers virtual treatment options, allowing individuals to work on their mental health, trauma, and addiction from home. “We offer outpatient treatment for people in Madison and the surrounding areas, but you can get virtual treatment from MRC without ever stepping foot in Madison,” McKenzie highlights.

 

Through Madison Recovery Center, Jack McKenzie and his co-founders are paving the way for others to find recovery and reclaim their lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, reach out to our admissions team to verify your insurance and learn how we can help.

REACH OUT TODAY

Madison Recovery Center is here to guide you or your loved one through every step of the journey towards recovery from alcohol use disorder. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals offers comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs, including evidence-based treatments, support for mental health issues, and a compassionate community. If you’re ready to take the first step or simply want more information, reach out today. Your path to a healthier, alcohol-free life starts here.

 

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