Join us for our second inmate interview from Jay County Security Center in Indiana. William will share his experience with addiction and recovery.

Join us for our first inmate interview from Jay County Security Center in Indiana. Kyle will share his experience with addiction and recovery.

This episode highlights the personal stories of RJ and Shane, who overcame addiction through faith and community support. They share their journey, including their involvement in the "We Do Recover" event, which aims to connect and support individuals in recovery.

Join us as we revisit Sean Gillim's story.

2022 Christmas Special- The Sheepherder’s Moment

This special Holiday episode is one way we want to thank you for listening and supporting our “Faith In Your Recovery Podcast” where we share all things recovery. Our Christmas message comes from Luke 2:6-20 and is about the experience of the shepherds on that first Christmas morning. We think you will be surprised at the multiple parallels between these culturally lowlife shepherds of Jesus’ day and those that battle addiction today. You will see how both groups have had to deal with stigma, bias, prejudice, worthlessness and more. However, it has many times been flawed individuals that God has used to reach a flawed world. Listen and you will hear how “The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood.” In closing, remember, “It’s a Boy!”

We understand the holiday season can prove to be hard for many. Please visit https://www.ablbh.org/locations-1 if you are in need of a meeting and/or support at anytime, even during the holidays.

Kristen Smith - Episode 50

Kristen Smith is the Director of House of Shiffra, a transitional house for women struggling with addiction and/or coming out of incarceration. Smith was living in active addiction since she was thirteen; starting out with marijuana and alcohol eventually led her to opiates and eventually methamphetamines. Her rock bottom was when she was living in abandoned houses and stealing cars to get by. She was arrested for auto theft, and what she says was by the grace of God, the owner did not press charges. The date of her arrest became her sober date and she will celebrate six years of sobriety this upcoming March.

Sarah Thomas - Episode 49

Sarah Thomas visited us all the way from Auburn, IN to share her story, because she believes it to be an important thing to dismantle the stigma around addiction for those who battle it, and their loved ones. From starting her addiction journey at 14 years old, blacking out in Juarez, Mexico, to abusing methamphetamines, she finally found sobriety in her early forties. It took multiple attempts from her family, stays in various sober living homes, and a near death car crash, but she celebrates over six years of sobriety now! She is now a leading member of Team Hope, a group affiliated with Brianna’s Hope.

Visit www.ablbh.org for addictions resources & more

Dean Jewell - Episode 48

Dean Jewell of Indianapolis began his addiction journey when he was just 13 years old, after having a taste of spiked punch. This led to years of daily drinking, experimenting with marijuana, and eventually stealing pain pills from his mother during her battle with cancer. His addiction didn’t slow down when he went to college, and in fact, began his journey with dealing and multiple arrests. After losing 17 jobs and living in 8 different homes, he finally found himself living with a sober, Christian man that helped him turn it all around - but it took a near death experience to start that journey. Today, Jewell is 40 years sober, married, and working in a substance abuse organization, helping those who struggle just as he had.

Jeff Williams of Anderson, IN is not only the pastor of Trinity Community Church, but is also the Director of Reclamation Staffing. RS is a Christian based temp agency that aims to connect people with God and those who have a history of incarceration with employers. This 600 hour program has a light at the end of the tunnel that offers those who complete it a full time position with benefits, continuing to help them in their post-release lives. Williams says that RS gives second, third, or as many chances to succeed in the program as the individual needs.

Email: info@reclamationstaffing.org

Phone: 765-374-4701

1103 Broadway St.

Anderson, IN 46012

Kim Odom woke up and beat her addiction when faced with 30 plus years from several drug related charges and the loss of a close friend to addiction. After participating in a RWI (recovery while incarcerated) program while incarcerated for two and a half years, she’s been able to turn her life around and live a life that she doesn’t want to escape from. Odom is now three years sober, certified as a peer recovery specialist, and sponsors three others in the Muncie chapter of Brianna’s Hope. She leaves you with this, “Your trauma does not define you, it’s what happened to you.”

www.ablbh.org

“How can you work with people like that?” Jason Dillman believes that people deserve second, third, even fourth chances to better their lives, and doesn’t agree that the stigma around them means they should be left behind. Working with the Madison County Problem Solving Courts (Drug Court, Reentry Court, and Mental Health Court), Dillman and many others push to help those who have suffered from addictions and hardships of all types to become functioning members of the community. Clients go through their assigned program based on their eligibility; working through their addictions in treatment, finding stable work, developing relationships with the alumni network and the community, and finding freedom in all areas of their life. Consider donating to the nonprofit organization and checking out their programs at the link below.

Helpful Links: www.madisonprosecutor.com/PSC

Tony Owens has found an inner peace after years of battling addiction with drugs and alcohol. Marijuana was how it began, when he couldn’t get high anymore, crack was his new vice, and in order to get off crack he started drinking. After losing his father to cancer and his mother to suicide, he stumbled in his recovery from marijuana use and found himself at literal “rock bottom” – drunk in a crawl space and needing to finally ask for help. Faith in Tony’s recovery means waking up everyday and praying to Jesus Christ, that’s how he knows he’ll have another good day because he’s not doing this alone.

Kelsey Aaron - Episode 43a:

Kelsey Aaron of Indianapolis is the Area Director for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. After having three generations of suicide, she was finally able to connect with AFSP after hearing the phrase, “suicide prevention,” for the first time in her life at age twenty-five, thirteen years after her father’s suicide. Her mission is to provide the resources for those who may be suffering or have someone in their lives that is suffering.

Helpful Links:

https://afsp.org/

https://afsp.org/indiana

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-273-TALK

Crisis Text Line: 741-741

Richard Harvey discusses the importance of compassion and proactive support for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues, emphasizing the need for understanding and confrontation as a gift rather than a negative approach.

https://thechristiancenter.org/

Highlights

Compassion is key in approaching individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. 🤝

Confrontation should be seen as a gift to help individuals recognize the need for help and support. 🎁

Building trust and providing proactive care are essential in assisting loved ones in their recovery journey. 🛣️

Self-care is crucial in maintaining a healthy balance while supporting others in their recovery process. 🌿

Key Insights

Compassion and understanding play a significant role in helping individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. By approaching them with care and empathy, we can create a safe space for them to seek help and support. 🌟

Confrontation, when done with compassion and love, can be a powerful tool in guiding individuals towards recognizing the need for change and seeking help. It is essential to address behaviors that are harmful and offer support in a caring manner. 💖

Trust and proactive care are essential elements in assisting loved ones through their recovery journey. By building trust and providing consistent support, we can help individuals feel secure and motivated to seek help and make positive changes. 🤝

Self-care is crucial for individuals supporting others in their recovery process. Taking breaks, engaging in activities that bring joy, and setting boundaries are essential to maintain a healthy balance while providing care and support to others. 🌻

Joel Lovell - Episode 43b:

Joel Lovell of the UK is a full time electrician and works with Pete Lewin Newfoundlands representing their good work with therapy dogs and swims in the US. Growing up without a father in his life, losing a friend in a drunk driving accident, bullying from coworkers that led to a near-death experience, and several suicide attempts, he knew he needed help and a change. After telling his mother what he was going through, he had his first therapy swim with the dogs, and has been working on healing his mental health since.

Helpful Links:

http://petelewinnewfoundlands.co.uk/index.html

https://www.facebook.com/PeteLewinNewfoundlands/

https://afsp.org/

Tammy Lundy - Episode 42a

Tammy Lundy of Indianapolis is a powerful voice in the suicide prevention community. Tammy’s daughter fell victim to the perfect storm of depression and losing her father to suicide the year prior, leading to her own suicide. This pushed Tammy to become a volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and speak up when she sees someone else struggling. Taking the initiative to check in on those around her is Tammy’s motto, “It doesn’t take much to ask someone how they are doing.”

Helpful Links:

https://afsp.org/

John Wilcock - Episode 42b

John Wilcock of Newcastle, UK, shares his connection to the FDIC and other rescue organizations in this exciting and educational episode. After meeting Pete Louin, he began supplying water rescue equipment to the FDIC and Pete’s educational program. This program covers water safety and newfoundland dog therapy, helping to rescue people both physically and mentally.

Could you imagine never relapsing once you decide to get sober? Well, Russ Reimer of Manatoba, Canada did just that after a nightly bender and hasn’t had a drop in 13 years since. Reimer is a volunteer assistant chief firefighter, career fire department paramedic, father, and believer. Today, he leads his chapter for Firefighters for Christ and proclaims that he would do anything for Jesus, even giving someone in need his very own kidney.

Larry Musselman’s recovery journey is one of many trials and triumphs. His addiction spawned from an experience of molestation as a child and manifested in adolescent marijuana and alcohol abuse, which eventually led to harder alcohol, pills, and methamphetamines. After a string of arrests for dealing narcotics and prescription pad exploitation, he was sentenced to fourteen years of incarceration. During his five and a half years in prison, he “died to himself” and gave his life over to Christ - marking the beginning of life as a new man. He then became a pastor, served as director for Celebrate Recovery program, and works as a peer support specialist meeting people where they are and helping them along the way.

Tyler was a self-avowed weekend warrior that digressed into a daily user. He didn’t know a better way to deal with his self-worth and feelings of abandonment. After a 10–15-day total blackout, he committed to a 72-hour hospital stay. After a long period of "white knuckling”, he recently celebrated one year clean from all substance use. He wants other strugglers to know that they are worth it and there is hope.

After 29 years in the industry, and 24 years at his current department in Illinois, Chris Kozak shares his battle with not only fires, but also his mental health. After attempting suicide in 2020, he entered rehabilitation at The Center for Excellence and was able to use the tools given to him there, and the help of his wife, to venture on his road to recovery. He was met with overwhelming support when he returned to the department, especially since the year prior they had lost a fellow firefighter. Today, Kozak is associated with the Worldwide Peer Support organization and has plans to retire to Arizona in three years.

Helpful Links: www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/ www.worldwidepeersupport.org/

Michael Murphy of Ravenna, OH has battled fires, the dark web, his mental health, and the demons of addiction for himself and his loved ones. He had to retire from the career that had become his identity after suffering an injury, causing him to lose a part of himself and eventually break. After attending the IAFF Center of Excellence, he began his recovery journey from the traumas he had been stacking up for years. Murphy is now connected with the Worldwide Peer Support organization and works to help other first responders heal their mental health, fight addiction, and grow beyond their PTSD.

You can follow him on TikTok @thepersoniamtoday

Helpful Links: www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/

www.worldwidepeersupport.org/

A pastor, firefighter and medical first responder - Joshua Putnam is a man of his word, family, and community. Growing up as a missionary kid, he found himself traveling across the US with his parents to serve various communities and churches. However, most of these small churches didn’t have youth groups that could help him connect, which spurred his desire to reach as many people in his community as possible. Putnam has used that desire to serve all areas of his community, not just the church, allowing him to lead more people to Christ, his true mission. He doesn’t want to be remembered as a firefighter, a pastor, or any other title, he wants to be remembered, “as one who showed the love of Christ.”

How do you cope when your dad is an alcoholic and you never know “who” he will be when he arrives home from work? How do you cope with being bullied and seeing your mom horribly mistreated? Austin turned to alcohol, weed, pills, meth, heroin, and self-inflicted pain. Can you imagine asking someone to slam the trunk on your hand? Now, Austin turns to God and his recovery family.

Melissa Terry shares her inspiring journey from a 20-year opioid addiction to 18 months of sobriety, emphasizing the importance of faith, family, and peer support in recovery. The podcast discusses a personal story of addiction recovery, highlighting struggles with opiates and near-death experiences, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and seeking help. The guest shares insights on overcoming addiction and finding hope in recovery.

Shane has spent a great deal of his life searching for connection and acceptance. Though he drank alcohol and used pot, his struggle escalated when he witnessed a friend take his own life. For much of his life, Shane was in and out of jail and prison. When he was 34, he was facing 45 years of incarceration. He credits drug court/problem solving court with saving his life. On May 1, 2022, Shane will celebrate 3 years of being clean. He readily admits the pain and struggle brought on when chasing recovery.

From being rejected by a church, planning his suicide, being saved by a diner breakfast, to nearly dying in a fire, Jason Sautel finally accepted Christ as his savior in this rollercoaster of a podcast. Author of The Rescuer: One Firefighter’s Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him, Sautel, shares with us a glimpse into his abusive childhood, traumas from firefighting, suicidal ideation, and how it all eventually led him through his self recovery by finding the true rescuer - Christ.

https://jasonsautel.com/

After 2 suicide attempts, years of drinking in secrecy, and spending days at a time with no sleep Anthony File finally acknowledged his addiction and need for recovery. He spent 47 days in a rehab facility before returning to his fire department as a new man – even saying, “They took a part of me and wiped it clean.” File isn’t ashamed of his addiction, but he is glad to be beyond it and 20 months (at time of recording) sober now.

“My life has been one miracle after another,” states Yendy Gonzalez of Miami, FL. This rafter turned firefighter shares his tumultuous journey across the ocean from Cuba to the U.S. when he was just 5 years old, his time in a refugee camp in Guantanamo Bay, and ultimately, how it all led to his discovery and acceptance of Christ in this first installment of the FDIC series. Although his story of recovery is not traditional, he went from viewing himself as the hero, to seeing Christ as the true hero of his story.

From “hopeless desperation” to true inspiration, Scott has been there, done that and has the scars to prove it. After 19 years of addiction to alcohol of all types, weed, benzos and various opioids, Scott is now managing a house for men and producing his own podcast, “You’re Not Alone.”

The passing of his father sent Timothy down a path that required a dirty furnace filter to get him turned around. After 20 years of marijuana and multiple other drugs, Timothy found himself homeless and living under a bridge. There, he met his help and hope. That was followed with someone that loved him when he didn’t love himself. From there, he was able to move forward to the person in recovery he is today.

Tara’s early life was filled with chaos including sexual abuse, a mom on opiates, and confusion about who her biological father was. Then, there was a pregnancy at a young age and later the loss of a child. To deal with it all, she turned to opiates, meth and more. After her arrest for dealing, she found only a Bible in her cell and came to realize that was all she needed. By her story, you will witness that the Tara of yesterday is not the Tara of today.

Early on, Brandon dealt with emotional issues, a lack of self-confidence, abandonment, and physical challenges. What began with alcohol and marijuana turned into hallucinogens, cocaine, heroin, and meth. Two and a half years in prison got Brandon’s attention, as there he connected with Jesus and started to find hope and a future. Now, Brandon is a happily married man with two daughters and is thriving through his work in the field of recovery.

Rachelle’s story is a prime example of the damage that can be done due to trauma and adverse childhood experiences. The death of her 4-year-old brother completely changed the dynamics of her childhood. Whether it was marijuana, pills, heroin, bath salts or meth, Rachelle battled it. During one of her many times of incarceration, she first started talking to God during a 68 day stay in isolation. Her pent-up anger was often released on others. This same Rachelle is now a Peer Recovery Coach with a heart that desires to pay it forward by helping others.

For years, Angela fought her own battle with drugs and alcohol. Now, she and her husband, Brandon, are raising their two grandchildren due to their parents’ addiction issues. After failed marriages, marijuana, pills, alcohol, and speed Angela took off for Florida with a plan to end her brokenness. Yet, God intervened and didn’t let it happen. After a song on Joy FM radio out of Union City, IN/OH, Angela experienced a stirring that saw her through and continues to do so. Hear how this grandma is raising her grandkids and witnessing God through it all.

Kaylyn Mora shares her personal journey with her father's addiction, emphasizing the importance of love, empathy, and harm reduction in supporting those struggling with substance abuse. She advocates for reducing stigma and increasing access to recovery resources.

From everyone else’s fault to ownership. From separation and isolation to community. Sean shares with us his battle with alcohol and substances but also, he shares his transformation. In his words, he was a drunk tweaker stealing yard gnomes and now he is 9 years clean and sober.

Tiktok @ cleanandsober_dad

Connect with Sean on Instagram @g1ll1m

Snapchat gillim1988

www.facebook.com/sirgizzim

Davvin, a self-proclaimed “Daddy’s Girl,” first started using in 2012 and did so for the next seven years. What began with pills quickly escalated to meth and led to jail and prison. She had experienced physical and mental abuse and often turned to her drugs for the numbing effect. Davvin is a strong advocate of Drug Court and A Better Life-Brianna’s Hope. In this interview, she tells the story of how she was able to help save a life through the use of Narcan.

Joe shares with us wonderful and pertinent information concerning medically assisted treatment or MAT. His explanation gives us a far better understanding of what it is about. He explains that harm reduction model and its strengths. Joe is employed by “Groups-Recover Together,” a national organization with several Indiana offices. He is an advocate for the regulated usage of suboxone and tells us how it works. He is a strong believer in the importance of “winning each day.”

How many times can tragedy strike? Ever had a loved one stolen from you by a murder or suicide? Ever lost a son to addiction? When Kevin was 5 years old, his mother was murdered by his stepfather. He then lost a brother to a car accident. His 17-year-old son was shot and killed over a $20 bag of marijuana. Within the same year, another son died of a fentanyl laced overdose. Kevin shares his hurt, his loss, and his heart in a very raw and real way. You will want to hear the phone call Kevin has recorded from his oldest son. Hear how Kevin is dealing with all of this by reaching out to help others .Kevin's groups:

www.facebook.com/groups/andonsblessings/

www.facebook.com/groups/430752438…/438369674438999

Jackie weaves this story of sexual abuse, rape, family mental health issues, drugs, and tragic death of her brother into a final moment of peace and hope that will speak to your heart. Drugs affected Jackie from birth. Her mom struggled with addiction and mental health issues; Jackie had her own challenges with about every drug. And she lost a brother to overdose. A brother that was father, a loving person, a veteran and more. Jackie shares her story and the story of trying to reach her brother before it was too late. One of her greatest battles in that was leaving the brother she loved so much to experience homelessness. This story is one you wont soon forget.

Lindsey Rogers-bio

Lindsey is the mother of two. She first connected with her husband to be, Daniel, while in third grade. Years later, they were married, became the parents of Lilly, and eventually divorced. Daniel was a self-proclaimed weekend warrior and lost his battle with drugs to an overdose. Following the divorce, Lindsey connected with Justin and together they gave birth to Jamison Watson. Two weeks after the birth, Justin died of an overdose.

When is the last time, if ever, you heard a sixteen-year-old share their story of heartache, heartbreak, and confusion created by a father in addiction? Hear the pain brought by her parent’s divorce and the overdose death of her dad. Then, while single, her mom met a man that Lilly wasn’t excited about, but later accepted with open arms. Together, he and Lilly’s mom had a son. Unfortunately, her stepdad to be also lost his life due to addiction. Lilly’s story will humble you as she eloquently shares her losses, her personal pain, as well as her love and forgiveness. (Kleenex warning!)

Hailey is a self-proclaimed “daddy’s girl.” They were close beyond close. Out of that grew much anxiety and challenge. Following the use of pills, Dad became an alcoholic and Hailey experienced the struggles and disappointments many children of alcoholics endure. But her prayers never stopped. For more than 10 years, she believed and even put her prayers into “overdrive.” The last ten minutes of this episode shares how for 14 hours she enjoyed the fruits of her commitment. Hailey’s story is living proof of why you can’t give up on God.

At the age of 12 RJ started with marijuana, by age 14 he was using cocaine, at 16 he dropped out of school and his 18th birthday was spent in jail. He then got into dealing drugs and spent several years in prison. By the age of 30, more than half of his life had been consumed by addiction and the struggles that go with it. Between a supportive probation officer, a strong court team and a renewed faith in God, RJ was able to find his way into recovery. The battle continues, but RJ will tell you, “God’s got this.”

Kali is 22 years old, and 3 years clean after using for nearly four years. She grew up with parents that struggled with their own addiction. At the age of 9, her babysitter introduced her to marijuana. By the age of 13, she was drinking alcohol and soon fell prey to pills, heroin, and other substances. Her lights on moment came after agreeing to use with her brother. A brother that would later die an overdose death. Kali shares that recovery is not easy but worth the battle.

Patrick Jones, founder of Freedom for Life, shares his journey of overcoming addiction and finding true freedom. He discusses the seven stages of recovery in his program, which include awakening, detox, healing, upgraded consciousness, connection, liberated living, and legacy. Patrick emphasizes the importance of personal power and self-mastery in the recovery process. He also addresses the role of faith, stating that while his program is not faith-based, individuals are welcome to incorporate their faith into their recovery journey. Patrick encourages individuals to pause and notice their thoughts and sensations before acting on addictive behaviors, promoting self-awareness and self-acceptance.

Keywords recovery, addiction, freedom, stages, personal power, self-mastery, faith, self-awareness, self-acceptance

Takeaways

• The seven stages of recovery in Patrick Jones' program are awakening, detox, healing, upgraded consciousness, connection, liberated living, and legacy.
• Personal power and self-mastery are essential in the recovery process.
• While Patrick's program is not faith-based, individuals are welcome to incorporate their faith into their recovery journey.
• Pausing and noticing thoughts and sensations before acting on addictive behaviors promotes self-awareness and self-acceptance.

Chapters

00:00Introduction

00:49Patrick Jones' Personal Journey

05:01Multiple Addictions and the Core Issue

06:57Destructive vs. Healthy Addictions

07:23Interference and the Impact of Addiction

09:24Freedom for Life: Patrick Jones' Mission

12:39The Seven Summits of Freedom

26:03Limitless Living and Thriving Beyond Recovery

28:31The Role of Faith in Recovery

31:58Integrating Recovery and Treatment

36:29Final Thoughts and Takeaways

After facing the possibility of 46 years to life in prison, Karl decided it was time to change his direction and his life. Out of a need to belong, he found himself making poor choices that included pot, pharmaceuticals, vodka, and dealing drugs. Between someone seeing in him what he didn’t see in himself and his mother’s no nonsense approach, Karl started believing there was a better life. Today, he offers hope and encouragement to others while making a difference in the lives of many. Karl Lazar is proof that #AddictsDoRecover.

Jolene is a wife and mother of two. She has battled addiction for 20+ years. Her original drug of choice was meth followed by just about any illegal substance you can think of. In Jolene’s words, it was when she turned to cocaine that “everything fell apart.” It was while being in jail for battery against a police officer and some loved ones that Jolene decided she, finally, was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Now, more than 3 years clean, she is working hard to mend the relationship with her daughter. This is a story that every parent who has a broken relationship with their child needs to hear. Please share and subscribe.

Though Jason had early exposure to alcohol, his addiction to it and other drugs began during his time as a Marine. It then deepened through his experiences as a commercial fisherman. He went from alcohol, to LSD, to heroin and a love of vodka. His struggles cost him a marriage and distanced him from his daughter. Following a relapse came a moment when “Christianity saved his life.” He is a staunch believer that recovery has multiple pathways. Jason is now happily married with family and is a highly respected member and leader in the recovery community.