"Are there ... bad experiences (with sober-living homes)?" Brunken asked. "Probably. But I don't know how to change someone's mind unless they can live with me, be a part of my life. Get to know us. People in recovery are as good as it's gonna get. In order for a person to maintain recovery, they have to live an honest, productive, good life."

In response to the neighbors' concerns, Orem imposed a few more rules, requiring frequent reporting to city officials, immediate dismissal for relapses and a 60-day clean period before re-admittance.

It's a delicate dance between being restrictive enough to appease worried neighbors and being too strict so as to violate the FHA. Orem is still reviewing the issue, Seastrand said.

Neighbor Kerri Olsen doesn't particularly like living next door to the sober-living home, but after seeing friends addicted to drugs, she knows treatment is needed.

She'd prefer less traffic, a few more rules and some type of non-invasive reporting about who is moving in and out. And of course, there's always the concern about falling property values.

"I've come to a realization that this is how it's going to be," Olsen said. "So if it is, let's tighten the rules and make sure no one's hurt over it, and that these girls are getting what they need, because they're human and we all make mistakes."

Moving beyond fear

"I want these girls to succeed, and we all do, but a lot of people were so scared," Bryce said. "Usually you think of a drug person as someone with long hair, mangy. (But) they're just like you and me."

That's Brunken. He actively participates in his church, goes on walks with Cathy, plays with his four little girls and occasionally cruises through the canyons on his motorcycle.

The only difference, perhaps, is his weekly attendance of aftercare classes at The Ark.

Despite his years of staying sober, he is still a recovering addict.

When someone learns of his past, the conversation quickly turns to connections. "My dad ... " they'll say. Or, "my niece ... " Everyone is touched by addiction, Brunken says.

Once the fear is gone, people quickly see that despite different, individual struggles, everyone's goals are the same: a loving family and a happy, successful life.

That's what Brunken wants to share.

He wants people to see that those snared by addiction are good people. Good people who are lost. But they can be found. And brought back.

Just as he was.

"Give people a chance," he said. "It's so freeing to be kind to each other."

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E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com