The following is a true account of one man’s journey from addiction to drugs, to becoming an educated, employed member of our society.

This young man began like many others. As a teenager he gave into his own curiosity and peer pressure to try different substances which promised a great adventure and glorious high. At a young age, many will think this is something they can control and can’t  imagine throwing themselves into an chaotic life of wild and torturous existence which unchecked can lead to bodily harm and even an early death. This continued for a while including valuables missing and even treasures taken to sell for the fix. Tom was involved in two auto accidents, both of which could have been fatal. We will call him Tom.

Tom began with alcohol and cigarettes which quickly included marijuana. The next level would add cocaine. After indulging himself for a while, ( a couple of years ), Tom told his parents about his use and pledged to quit. His father, not really familiar with this type of addiction, thanked Tom for his honesty and promised to help him with his decision. This is where the parents started asking for divine assistance for their son’s recovery. Good intentions lasted for a while but Tom had become addicted and found every opportunity to satisfy his needs.

The family tried several interventions, sending Tom to a number of recovery programs, some of which included Godly teachings. Tom improved for a while each time, even becoming a Christian. This empowered him for a while. but coming back home was his downfall. His old buddies and dealers he had been involved with would reach out to him to get him to return to their earlier behaviors. Dealers would even wait on him to get off work to offer him free drugs. Tom was able to resist this for a time but eventually would get caught at a low time and give in. This would restart the cycle all over again.

The parents tried everything they could to help Tom. There came a time when  “Tough Love”  became the only viable solution. They told Tom that if he was sick, they would get him medical attention, if he was hungry, they would feed him, but in everything else, he would be on his own. This was presented in a way that made Tom know that they were serious. By this time, Tom was in his middle twenties. Many prayers had been offered for Tom’s recovery and after a short time, Tom made a decision!  He decided it was time to make a change.

Tom scheduled himself in a facility to get him off of the drugs. While attending this facility, Tom decided on a recovery facility a couple of hundred miles from home. This facility would provide housing and therapy for his recovery.  They would even assist him in finding employment to cover most of their tuition and fees!

.Successfully getting the drugs out of his system, Tom’s parents drove him to his new home away from home, which was about 4 hours away from home. This would get him out of reach of the crowd that would like to pull him back into their circle.  The was not glamorous but adequate.  Tom got settled in after completing admission, Tom was shown to his apartment and met his new roommates. As several times before, Tom’s parents with heavy hearts left him, but this time with a better outlook since this was mostly arranged by Tom.

Immediately Tom attended meetings and therapy getting used to the routine. He needed a job but instead of waiting for the facility to find him a job, ( usually at fast food locations or similar establishments ) Tom struck out on his own and walking in 90 plus degrees found the employment office.  Applying with a temporary service, he then had to walk in the heat to a drug testing location to be tested for drugs. Returning to the employment office, he was given the job with a manufacturing company that produced large metal parts for assembly plants.  Tom developed a schedule working and attending meetings and therapy sessions. The recovery facility helped with transportation to his job, but Tom often had to wait for the ride to arrive to take him home.

Tom’s determination to make this work was evident in the coming weeks as he worked hard to meet or exceed the duties given to him.  His hard work was noticed by the management and was told to apply for a permanent job once his probationary period was over with the temporary agency. was complete.  Tom eagerly accepted the challenge and was given a full time job. Challenges with schedule and transportation were met and overcome as Tom continued to make a good impression with his recovery facility and employment.  His parents were overjoyed with reports for Tom as time passed. Tom’s work ethic was continuing to impress his employer and was given opportunities to advance. What a proud occasion was his first anniversary of his sobriety.

Soon, Tom was able to complete his therapy and leave the recovery facility and find an apartment. With help from his parents, he was given a car to provide him with needed transportation. A couple of years passed with Tom proving his resolve.  The company where he worked had an apprenticeship program ( four years ) with training and courses offered at a nearby Technical College. Tom was accepted into the program. Confidently, Tom met all challenges in work and school with high grades in both. Eventually his hard work paid off and Tom graduated from school with high averages and completed training on the job. He was awarded a journeyman’s Card as a Tool And Diemaker, a machining classification and began making an impressive wage. With help, guidance, and a strong determination, Tom
had made a 180 degree turn in his life.  His family was so thankful and impressed with his emergence as a champion.

As the community learned of Tom’s transformation, many who were having the same situation asked where had all this been accomplished. The answer was that it didn’t matter. The change was within Tom. Because of his support and his determination he was Victorious!  The solution was that any facility would give success if the individual was ready and determined to make the change.