The Faces of Addiction

Last updated on: January 30, 2013 at 9:00 am by Josh Daffern

The Faces of Addiction 2013-01-30T09:00:39-06:00 Josh Daffern

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the humbling privilege of going out to the Recovery House, a faith-based treatment facility for women dealing with alcohol and drug addictions. Some of the ladies are there voluntarily, some of them are there by order of the court. In sitting and talking with them, I’ve learned their heart-breaking stories of mistakes and tragic circumstances that have led them to the point of brokenness.

You’d be surprised at the wide range of ages represented. I’ve met women as young as 21 and as old as their late 40s. Some are childless, some have grandchildren. Some look like life has been rough on them for decades. Some look like upstanding soccer moms, and would blend in with any group of suburban ladies.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the stories I’ve heard, the faces of addiction:

a young lady grew up in a healthy home with two loving parents. She partied off an on throughout high school and college, but got addicted to pain pills and alcohol after college. She had a series of abusive boyfriends and lost everything (including a profitable business) as her life spiraled out of control.
a mom of three young kids that would look like she would fit in any PTA meeting or soccer field. Trying to keep up with kids, career and a family was too much stress for her. She turned to prescription pills for comfort, which led to alcohol.
a young lady who never knew her dad, lost her grandfather at a critical stage, and decided to take her anger out on the world. Pick a drug, she took it. By 21 she had spent time behind bars for armed robbery and various other things.
a mom of three teenagers who was born and raised in church. In fact, her father is still in the ministry. Alcohol got its grip on her and she slowly but surely spiraled out of control.
a smart (but quiet) young lady who has her Masters in Psychology. She was kicked out of the program for sneaking alcohol into the facilities.
a beautiful young lady who simply had too much fun living it up in high school and college. If there was a party, she was there. That led to addictions, which led to stealing to fund her addiction. She came to the program to stay out of prison.

They are all precious ladies, trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. I’m thankful for places like Recovery House, and I’m convicted to do more to help those in need.

Previous Post

January 29, 2013

The Next Generation Has the Wrong Idea About God

Next Post

January 31, 2013 The Magic Bullet to Success

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Family Matters Ministry in the Trenches Morning Brew MTVpastor New Wineskins Top Menu Truth from Life Uncategorized Watch Sermons

Select a Month June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What sign marked the houses to be spared during Passover?

Select your answer to see how you score.

A dove symbol Blood on doorposts A red ribbon A lit candle