Real Recovery

Shane grew up experiencing loss, bullying and loneliness. He turned to drugs and gangs which led to prison. That's where he experienced the love and presence of God through the book of John.

Leland shares his story of how addiction cost him his career and his marriage. It wasn't until he decided that being lord of his own life wasn't working and gave his life to the lordship of Jesus that he was able to overcome his addiction.

Pastor Ron Smedley shares stories of recovery from his work as a parole officer, work in rehab and recovery since 1996, and ministry as a pastor of a church who ministers to people with all forms of addiction. Each story begins with trying to escape from pain and ends with getting caught in the grace of God and new life through Jesus Christ.

When his first marriage ended, Cliff started dealing with depression. Since that day, he has been on a journey of understanding the grace of God through Jesus, the need for honest prayers and the power of God's word.

Bridget wasn't an alcoholic yet she still needed recovery. A powerful story of hope and recovery from being raised by heavy drinking parents to marrying an alcoholic. Listen to her recovery from her devastatingly unhealthy relationship habits as she tells of God's hope for those struggling.

Recovery needs to be more fun than using. Don't tell yourself you're going to stop this time. Jesus says apart from him you can do nothing. With help and God's grace, Martin's life is richer and more beautiful than in addiction.

After a series of concussions, pain, and losing his athletic identity, Kevin looked towards a chemical escape. It took a supernatural change to take him from the artificial joy to real happiness. Total surrender to the God that was knocking at his door to find his new identity and redemption.

From 16 shots in 9th grade and asking for forgiveness every week at church, to proving that he wanted to be sober and have a relationship with Christ, Jake's story is an honest story. Highlighting Christ's redemption, grace, and mercy even when things get out of hand.

Lee Bloom author of " Table in the Darkness, " brings us along on her intimate journey thought an eating disorder. She says, I know now what I missed, there was no place in my life for emotions during transitions. That's when you start coping, but there is hope. Encore Presentation - September 9th, 2018

Nothing changed after getting married and having two kids. It took three DUIs before Chris began to change his life. Hear the miraculous story of mercy and peace even in the back of a squad car. Turns out life can be incredibly fun with friends and most importantly without using.

Scott started drinking liquor at age nine. Then lost his dream in an accident; it just got worse. Listen to a miracle unfold as Scott radiates the impact church played in turning his life around in recovery.

25% of Americans are addicted and that feeling of ecstasy, it's unsustainable. But life can still be euphoric. There is hope. All this from a faith-centered neurological perspective in Chip Dodd's co-authored book, " Hope in the Age of Addiction ."

Alcohol gave him an identity. He couldn't see the impending disaster. Raphael says it's a miracle his life was turned around. A miracle so that he could serve and help others. Listen to his story going from a surprise 50-month prison sentence to leading people into recovery.

If you are in a relationship with someone who is using and you're suffering, isolated, lonely, and feeling no intimacy in your life, its for good reason. To talk about it, Alexa joins George and Bill to share her story about seeking help even when you're not the problem.

How can spouses, parents, church leaders best help their loved ones trapped in addiction? How does Jesus call us to approach recovery? Deb Beddoe shares her personal experience and research on the power of community and Christ-like compassion to bring hope and healing.

When God saves us, He also gives us a job to do.  Carl Kirby shares how God radically transformed his life, and how he spreads this good news to the next generation.

George and Bill discuss how the 12 steps aren't themselves the Gospel, but rather point us to the Gospel.  Then, Brent shares how God rescued him from a life of addiction and put him on a new path of wholeness and health.

Bill and George look at how temptation and rebellion play a role in addiction.  They also discuss the truth about how just because a person makes a mistake doesn't mean they are a bad person - and how remembering this helps us experience forgiveness.

Bill and George review the importance of each step in recovery.  Then, they feature several testimonies from residents of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge that highlight how God can give people the power to find freedom from addiction.

George and Bill consider what it means to live out recovery principles in every area of life. Then, they talk with Dan who was enmeshed in a life of drugs and alcohol, but found deliverance and healing through Jesus.

Bill and George reflect on Step 2 of recovery which involves coming to believe in a power higher than ourselves that can restore us to sanity.  Then, Dar shares her story of getting lost in cocaine and alcohol addiction, but then finding lasting freedom and a new life of hope and joy in Jesus through Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge.

Recovery starts by admitting we are powerless over our addiction.  Bill and George focus on this important step of the recovery process. Then, Van shares his story of struggling with addiction, guilt and anger, but then finding hope at Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge .

Bill and George discuss Step 3 which states, "I have made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understand Him."  Then, they talk with Tim Walsh , Vice President of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge , about how addiction affects the brain and how we think.  Tim also offers ideas on dealing with cravings and how to avoid self-medicating.

In this encore episode of Real Recovery, Jim Moore from Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge  speaks with Bill and George about his history of addiction, his son's experience with addiction, and how God can redeem it all.

Meditation is a key component to recovery.  Bill and George discuss meditation, then talk with John who shares his story involving several stints in rehab and how he is staying sober today.