From upholding the law to uplifting lives, Chris Byrdsong brings a unique perspective to addiction recovery at Texas Recovery Centers
When Chris Byrdsong speaks about addiction, he does so with the rare insight of someone who’s viewed the crisis from multiple angles. As Texas Recovery Centers’ newest Clinical Liaison, Chris brings not only his extensive law enforcement background but also the profound understanding that comes from watching addiction impact his own family.
“Crack cocaine was a big deal for me,” Chris shares, as he recalls how the drug devastated his family and ultimately pushed him toward a career in law enforcement.
“That experience gave me more compassion and empathy for those struggling. I understand that addiction isn’t just about the individual. It impacts entire families and communities.”
From Badge to Bridge Builder
Before joining Texas Recovery Centers, Chris served with the Longview Police Department, where his final assignment focused on homeless outreach—work that naturally aligned with his current role.
Q: What made you transition from law enforcement to addiction treatment?
“Most people do this job to reach somebody who’s broken or hurting,” Chris explains. “During my time working with homeless outreach, I saw firsthand how addiction and mental health issues drive so much of the problem. A lot of people don’t realize how deeply homelessness affects society.”
His approach then, and now. centers on a simple yet powerful philosophy: dignity.
“I’m a firm believer in leaving people with their dignity,” he emphasizes. “I believe in speaking life into people. It’s how you talk and address them that helps them get their life back.”
Diversion That Makes a Difference
One of Chris’s proudest achievements is his work with jail diversion programs. These are initiatives that redirect individuals with substance use disorders from incarceration to treatment.
“I was on the phone doing an assessment with the guy who took over my role,” Chris recalls. “We had a jail diversion program with 76 people, and 40 of them went to Texas Recovery Centers. The district attorney called me into the office, liked what I was doing, and wrote the program into something legitimate.”
Q: What’s your vision for the future of diversion programs?
“I want to work with every police department in Texas that’s open to diversion programs and getting people into rehab here at Texas Recovery Centers,” he states confidently. “If you go to jail, what are your next steps? Without intervention, many people just return to the same environment and behaviors that got them arrested in the first place.”
Humility in Authority
Chris’s law enforcement background taught him valuable lessons about power and compassion, which are lessons he brings to his work in addiction treatment.
“The person that wears the uniform also needs some humility,” he asserts. “Develop some humility. You never know when the average Joe on the street has to come to your own aid. Never let that power go to your head. Dignity and compassion are everything.”
“A buddy of mine on patrol got stuck in a ditch one day,” Chris said. “Some of the same guys who he had brought to jail were the ones who helped push him out. What does that tell you? Respect and humility go both ways.”
A Time for Action, A Time for Talk
Chris’s approach to addiction treatment mirrors his philosophy in law enforcement: knowing when to intervene and when to listen.
Q: How do you approach someone in active addiction?
“There’s a time to take action and a time to talk,” Chris explains. “Sometimes you need to help first and talk about the ‘why’ later. With active users, it’s about meeting them where they are, helping them stabilize, and then addressing the underlying issues.”
His goal is straightforward: “How do you make them productive again? That’s the question we’re always trying to answer.”
Bringing It All Together at Texas Recovery Centers
As a Clinical Liaison, Chris now serves as a vital connection between law enforcement agencies, courts, and Texas Recovery Centers’ comprehensive treatment programs.
His unique perspective—understanding both the legal consequences of addiction and the personal devastation it causes—positions him perfectly to help clients navigate their recovery journey with dignity and purpose.
“What sets Texas Recovery Centers apart is our commitment to treating the whole person,” Chris says. “We understand that addiction is complex, and recovery requires addressing physical, emotional, and social needs. My background helps me connect with clients in a way that acknowledges both their struggles and their potential.”
Texas Recovery Centers is located at 6950 Shady Ln, Scurry, TX 75158. To learn more about our programs or to speak with our admissions team, call 888-354-2194.
