Blog: ‘God has a plan for me,’ former addict says
This blog was written by a man named Jonathan, who spent much of his life addicted to drugs and alcohol. Recently, his life changed at the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center (pictured) in Minneapolis.
When I came into this program, I was at my bottom. I had lost everything in my life that had meaning.
I started using drugs and alcohol when I was 17 years old, living in a typical home with my parents and three younger siblings. I did it just to fit in. It made me feel normal.
As the years progressed, drugs and alcohol became a way of life. I could not go one day without altering my mind in some way or another.
I had my oldest daughter at the age of 20, and my second daughter at 27. For the most part, I was able to hold it together while raising them. I was a functioning addict.
Three years ago, my addiction progressed to the point where my life became unmanageable. I lost jobs, relationships, trust, and homes. I was a liar, a cheater, and a manipulator. I would say or do anything to get what I wanted.
In previous years, I’d entered rehab six times, but never lasted more than a couple of weeks. I was never ready to change. I wasn’t ready to accept help.
Several months ago, as I sat at home with my fiancé, I had one of the worst nights in my life. I was ashamed of who I was. I couldn’t look in the mirror because I didn’t like the person looking back at me.
Then, I made the hardest decision of my life: I humbled myself, and walked through the doors of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center. I have to believe it was God who gave me the strength to do so. I would never have done that on my own.
Walking into the rehabilitation center was the best decision I ever made. Ever since I have been here, I have begun to change. The drug and alcohol cravings have lifted. I am learning the value of hard work. I have learned how to have fun again without the use of drugs and alcohol. I have learned to be honest with myself and others. In return, I have earned people’s trust and mended broken relationships. I can look people in the eye, shake their hand, and feel good about the man I am becoming.
The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
That is what is happening to me. I am developing a relationship with my Lord and Savior, and trusting that God has a plan for me.
I am blessed to have the support of my fiancé, Reanna; the friends I have made here; and my mentor, Dustin. I am excited to wake up every day and see the miracles that God is working in me. I am learning to take things one day at a time, and to enjoy the life that the Lord has given me.
Thank you, Salvation Army.
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