More than a month ago Steve Relford, the man who as a child witnessed his mother being strangled by BTK, decided to change his life.

An admitted problem drinker since he was a young teenager, Relford finally decided to get help and accept KAKE's offer to help him find a rehabilitation program. We promised updates. Here is how Relford is doing on his road to recovery.

A month ago, Relford went through an evaluation at the substance abuse center. Counselors there have him in an outpatient program. It requires Relford spend 10 hours of substance abuse counseling a week, attend weekly group therapy and three days of residential detox.

Detox caused Relford to hit a stumbling block.

"I knew it was wrong for me to walk out of there...but I did anyway. I am hardheaded and stubborn." Relford says.

Harold Casey with the Substance Abuse Center says it is very common for clients to walk out and then come back to try again.

"It's not uncommon for a client to say, 'Gee...I breath, I eat food and I drink. And when you tell me not to drink anymore it feels like your are telling me...not to breath, not to eat.'" Casey says.

Relford says his stress level has gone "way up" due to not drinking anymore. However, he has been faithful in his hours of substance abuse counseling.

It's a long, long journey but one Relford says he is committed to.

What does Relford want his future to hold? He says, "I see a sober man who's got a job and a wife...It feels pretty good."

Relford wanted us to tape his progress in hopes it may inspire others in need of help. If you or someone you love needs help with substance abuse, call the Substance Abuse Center of Kansas at 316-687-3825 or follow the link below.