Hope & Strength: The Journey of Addiction Recovery

Finding Hope and Strength in the Journey of Addiction Recovery Through Faith

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

I've been on both sides of the addiction coin. After finding freedom for myself, I've dedicated more than three times as many years to helping others do the same. It's been an intense journey filled with learning and introspection. Why do some folks get it right away, grabbing recovery like a lifeline, while others, who seem just as desperate for it, struggle? This question has baffled me for years. Addiction isn't some far-off topic; it's hit my family and friends. I've cheered for people I love who've succeeded and mourned for those who haven't.

Reflections and Realizations

"Cast your cares on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." (Psalm 55:22)

Thinking back through my time at Teen Challenge, There's much to unpack. I've seen miraculous turnarounds; people mired in decades of addiction breaking free and truly living. But there's another side we don't often discuss—the heartaches, the lives lost too soon, and the phone calls no one wants to get.

When scrolling through social media, I encounter many sayings that make me pause and think. Phrases like, "You can't help an addict who doesn't want help." Here's my reality: when I walked into rehab, I wasn't keen on 'help.' I didn't even understand what 'wanting help' looked like. What I wanted was relief, an exit from my agony. By God's grace, my search for escape led me straight into His loving arms, where I found a freedom unlike any other.

Faith, Community, and the Road Ahead

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

And then there are those old sayings, "God helps those who help themselves," or the particularly annoying, "If you've never been addicted, stay out of the conversation." Strange. Some of the most influential people on my recovery journey never touched a drug. Here's what I've learned: Recovery is a very personal road. No template fits all, no straight line to the finish. It's a mixed bag of life experiences, traumas, and personal faith. My faith has been the cornerstone, and the transformation through Jesus is fundamental. But faith alone doesn't always cut it. It's faith combined with support, understanding, and grit that genuinely changes lives.

So, if you're in the middle of your recovery journey, keep this in mind: your path is yours alone. Don't measure yourself against someone else's yardstick. It's a setup for discouragement. Instead, focus on your growth and the lessons you're learning. And for those of you loving and supporting someone through addiction, keep steadfast. Setbacks may happen, but that doesn't dictate a person's value or potential. Your consistent faith can be a guiding light during their darker moments.

The Final Word

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

Let's get past the simple one-liners and quick judgments. Let's aim for a deeper understanding, compassion, and genuine empathy. Because it's not about tallying sober days or how fast someone gets 'better.' It's about the journey, the personal growth, and the lives we see changed for the better.