Growing up, I had a loving family, but when my parents divorced, it hit me hard. I struggled with feelings of worthlessness and desperately sought approval from others. That led me down a dark path of substance use—first with marijuana and alcohol, and later, cocaine. My addiction escalated quickly, and before I knew it, I was stuck in a cycle of hopelessness and relapse.
For years, I tried to quit on my own. I’d manage to stay clean for a few months, but I’d always fall back into using. I felt trapped. I had completely lost control of my life.
Walking through the doors of Adult & Teen Challenge was the scariest, yet most transformative, moment of my life. The love and acceptance I felt from the moment I arrived was overwhelming. This long-term, faith-based program gave me the structure I desperately needed to rebuild my life. It wasn’t easy—it was challenging—but it was exactly what I needed.
The program showed me that God’s love is unconditional. I discovered a God who loves me despite my failures, and I began to heal. Today, I’m proud to say I’m a full-time staff member at Adult & Teen Challenge, helping others who are walking the same path I once did.
“There’s hope, and it’s within reach for anyone who feels like there’s no way out.”
