12 Steps to Change

The one thing David had promised he would never do was ruin his marriage. But when his addiction to sex and pornography hijacked his self-control, he found himself doing just that. David thought maybe he could simply get over his addiction without help from anyone. That is when he learned that confession is the first and vital step to recovery.

Preston was living in a basement with his brother, who was also addicted to heroin and cocaine, when their intense cravings finally drove them to steal. Preston wondered if he could ever be forgiven, so he prayed to find out. The hope he felt in response to his prayer was the beginning of a miraculous recovery.

At first, Sharon was addicted to staying thin. She thought small, seemingly harmless doses of crystal meth could help her lose a few pounds. Before she knew it, she was completely addicted to the drug. Her marriage and family relationships were crumbling, but she couldn’t stop and wondered if she actually wanted to. She discovered that trusting in God was her only chance to not just escape, but to find happiness again.

Austin never thought his drug addiction would hurt the people he loved. When drug dealers threatened his family for information on his location, he knew he had to change. But how could he? Was there any good left in him? In the addiction recovery program, Austin learned the truth: God had given him many good qualities, and He had the power to help Austin uncover them again.

Jessica’s food addiction only got more serious when her husband passed away. Before she completely lost hope, she sought help. To quit drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes was one thing, and to change her life-threatening eating habits was another. Because she confessed her problems to herself, to God, and to someone who could help, recovery was possible.

Aram’s 15-year-old sister was kidnapped and killed, and several years later, both of his parents passed away. He felt betrayed by God. He turned to his drug addiction for comfort. It was his change of heart and his decision to turn back to God that allowed him to break free from the darkness and danger.

Holly’s life seemed almost perfect from the outside, but her addiction to drugs nearly ended it all. As she recovered, she asked God to remove her shortcomings. Her humble question allowed Him to give her the peace, hope, and guidance she needed to become the person she yearned to be.

Larry’s drug addiction started when he was a teenager, following a troubled childhood. He decided to run away from his broken home and went 13 years without speaking to his father. His anger at his parents fueled his addictive behavior. Seeking forgiveness for himself and for others was key to his recovery.

John was leading a double life, but soon his drug addiction took over everything else. In the space of two years, he lost his job, his house, and his family. When he finally faced the damaged he had caused in his life and the lives of those he loved, he wondered if there was any hope for the future. Because God helped him make amends, there was.

Adrienne kept her cocaine addiction secret from everyone, including her husband. When her habit threatened the lives of the medical patients she worked with, she decided to change, but she couldn’t do it alone. With the help of God and her husband, she continues to be honest with herself and stay accountable for her actions every day.

Lindsay had surrendered herself to the idea that she would be addicted to heroin for the rest of her life. Her kids started living with her mom and she started living out of a car. By the time she was caught by the police, prayer and personal revelation seemed foreign to her. Then she discovered for herself that communication with God is the only hope for true recovery.

One night, Erik’s drug addiction led him to overdose and fall three stories from a building. Still recovering from his addiction and his fall, Erik knows that sharing what he has learned with others who need help is one of the most miraculous aspects of recovery.