I Never Knew….How Good It Could Be. 18 years of Freedom from Addiction
Spring is right around the corner, and I couldn’t be more excited. After a long, cold winter, I’m ready for sunshine, green grass, and the fresh start that comes with a new season. There’s something about stepping out into longer, warmer days that makes me feel alive again—like life itself is offering us a chance to start over.
I’ve always appreciated the seasons here in the Philly area (even if they come with heartbreak from the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Union). We get it all—freezing winters, hot and humid summers, and, if we’re lucky, a real spring and fall. Some people can’t stand the cold, others despise the heat, but me? I love it all.
I find myself praying for snow in July and dreaming of 90-degree days in January. It’s that contrast—the highs and lows—that makes each season special. And I realize now that God gave me this perspective for a reason.
18 Years of Sobriety—A Journey of Transformation
This March 7th, I celebrated 18 years of sobriety—that’s 6,575 days sober, thanks to a quick Google search! Recently, someone asked me a few questions about my journey, and I wanted to share my answers with you.
Q: What was going on in your life when you started using?
My addiction started in what seemed like a simple way. As teenagers, drinking in the woods and smoking weed felt social, rebellious—just a way to escape. I was a troubled kid, the class clown, underperforming in school, and causing problems at home.
Q: How did addiction affect your relationships?
It destroyed them. I lied, cheated, and stole from everyone I knew. Addiction makes you selfish—it’s all about the next high, no matter the cost.
Q: Do you remember the moment you realized you wanted to change?
I loved getting high, but I couldn’t stop, and I couldn’t escape the consequences. The lifestyle started as exciting but led down a dark road. I wanted to stop, but I couldn’t. I finally realized two things:
I was powerless over my sin and addiction, and my life was unmanageable.
I couldn’t change myself, but God could—if I was willing to surrender.
Q: What was your ‘come to Jesus’ moment?
In 2006, I landed in prison as a convicted felon. There, I met a man who had joy, peace—something I had never known. He shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with me, and in that moment, my whole life changed. I didn’t want to be a junkie or a criminal anymore, but I didn’t know how to live differently. I always felt like a misfit—until Jesus gave me a new identity.
Q: How has your perspective on life changed?
A wise man once told me, “Those who sleep best at night have no skeletons in their closet.” The biggest change? Owning my mistakes, admitting my wrongs, and allowing God to transform me. Instead of destroying lives, I now have a passion to help others. I used to joke that I worked in the kitchen because I didn’t like people. Now, I love people. Jesus changed my heart, and my mission is to see other lives transformed.
Q: How do you use your experience to help others in recovery?
I’ve served in full-time ministry for 17 years, and I’ve learned that I need the new guy just as much as he needs me. Being around men in early recovery keeps me grounded. We say, “To keep it, you must give it away.” That’s what keeps me going—one person reaching another.
Q: What’s your biggest advice for someone struggling with sobriety?
There is hope. Take ownership of your actions, pray for those who are still struggling, and walk this journey one day at a time. Recovery as a disciple of Jesus is about daily surrender. I still do certain things every day to make sure I never go back—studying God’s Word, loving others, and praying with gratitude.
Q: What was your biggest challenge after getting sober?
I was homeless with no food, no money, and no one who wanted me around. But I had faith. I didn’t know where I’d sleep or eat, but I trusted God had a plan. Step by step, He led me to Cityteam Discipleship Recovery Program in Chester, and that changed everything.
Q: Did you ever relapse or come close?
I had drug dreams and thoughts, but never the desire to go back. I had been broken so badly that I fight every day to make sure I never return to that life. My life is still full of challenges, but my perspective is different. My joy comes from the Lord.
Seasons Have a Purpose—So Does Your Story
Looking back, my addiction brought pain and destruction—not just to me, but to so many others.
I overdosed three times. I became a convicted felon. I lost everything.
But just like winter turns to spring, that dark season had a purpose.
God saved my life so I could serve Him. Now, every outreach event, every counseling session, every after-school club, and every tough season is an opportunity for another life to be touched. The first time I read the Bible and realized God was calling me to help others like me—homeless, addicted, and hopeless—I knew I had to say yes. My mentors fanned the flame, and now, I get to do the same for others.
I take no credit for these 18 years of sobriety or 17 years in ministry. It’s all God. He sent people to help me, and now I get to help others. We’re raising up the next generation of leaders who will use their lives as living sacrifices—every season of life, even the hardest ones, are gifts that can be used for God’s glory.
Here’s How You Can Help—
If you know someone struggling with addiction—someone who feels lost—know that transformation is possible. If it can happen for a messed-up misfit like me, it can happen for anyone.
Here’s what you can do:
Share this story—on social media, with friends, with anyone who needs hope.
Listen to my recent interview on the Human Experience Podcast with Jennifer Peterkin: thehxpod.
Support our Discipleship Recovery Houses—we currently house 24 men in recovery. It costs about $700 per month per person to provide food, shelter, and discipleship. Every gift makes a difference.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Seasons change, but God’s love and power to transform lives remain the same. Let’s keep reaching people—one life at a time.