I was saved in 1974 and was married in 1980 after attending a Christian university. In 1984, I had the first of eight back surgeries which ended my career as a paramedic, left me disabled, and eventually addicted to prescription drugs.
My Victorious Life Story over Prescription Drugs
I don’t know when I first became addicted. All I know is that at some point I began to take my prescription medication for more than the physical pain. I grew further and further away from the Lord and my family, taking the prescription meds just to feel normal.
In December of 2006, my family and I went to our cabin for a vacation. All I am sure of is that I awoke in the middle of the night knowing I had done something terrible. I got up and discovered I had taken my whole week’s supply of drugs – prescription narcotics, muscle relaxers, and anti-depressants.
The affects on my relationship
My wife hid all of my prescriptions from me and told me she would now control my prescription meds. I went into withdrawals because she was giving me far less than I had been taking. I was too ashamed to tell her how many I normally used. I soon discovered her hiding place and took more. I knew the day of discovery was rapidly approaching when she would discover what I was doing. Finally, having enough of this life, I decided to confess to my Pastor and wife that coming Sunday.
On Sunday, I attended church with my wife, but I wasn’t entirely committed to seeking help for my drug addiction. However, something unexpected happened during the service when my Pastor gave a powerful message about addressing anything that hinders our relationships with loved ones or God. I felt convicted and decided to approach him and confess my struggles with drugs. My wife also joined us, and in his office, I revealed my sin to them. While my Pastor was supportive, my wife seemed doubtful and asked me if I was willing to take the necessary measures to overcome my addiction. I assured her that I was, though my original plan was to taper off the drugs at home with more pills. Two days later, I realized that I needed more professional help and checked myself into a discreet detox center in LA for further treatment.
NA didn’t work
After my release, I attempted to go to NA meetings, but they weren’t for me. There was too much dwelling on my sin and I didn’t believe I had a disease. I didn’t know what to do.
Then I found RU
The week I confessed, my Pastor got a letter from RU, telling about the program. I went online and found an RU only twenty miles away.
Chapter Locator
For weeks, I did little in the curriculum. I thought there was no way I could memorize the verses in the Overcomer workbook, because of the effect of the drugs on my memory. Then one week, my leader encouraged me to try to do two challenges. I agreed only to get him off my back. I decided to pray for help and was shocked when God helped me! I was so excited that I prayed about the next verse, and once again, I could say it. That is when I really took off. Without God’s help, I don’t think I ever would have gotten that first verse memorized. Over the next year, I passed the Overcomer and the Strongholds Study Course.
I can never thank you enough for this program. My eyes tear up every time I think about all God has done for me AND my family through RU. The joy I feel today is unbelievable. His love is truly boundless! I am looking forward to beginning the next book in the course as I grow to serve Him better.
Note: Does this story seem similar to yours?? Can you relate to any part of this man’s testimony? The same help is available to you! Find a Chapter Near You or Contact us today at 866-REFORMU.
One Response
We are starting a ,RU, program at our church. A long battle and love for drugs, but am trurly dedicated to ,Gods, word. have have a lot of mixed emotions. I really think I can help people in a lot more ways than some at the Church, who are starting the program, possibly can. I just don,t know quite how to get started? Thats about all I got to say, Sincerely ,, Bill Kidd