Restoring Joy
Sarah’s story
Born and raised in northeast Minneapolis, Sarah was a really good student who didn’t go to parties; she was the last person you would ever think would deal with addiction.
“I had a family, three kids, married for 19 years. In my later 30s, I had a lot of anxiety and stress over things that were going on with my family, and I discovered that alcohol calmed me. I fell into a closet addiction with alcohol. Alcohol became my master.”
I didn’t think I was hurting anyone.
Sarah continues, “I drank mostly in secret, but what I discovered is that it was changing my personality. It was taking me away from the people that I loved the most, and it was separating me from God. I really gave up hope. I got to a point where it wasn’t that I wanted to end my life so much as I didn’t want to live anymore because I couldn’t stop drinking.”
I felt so dark and so desperate.
“Drinking took away my ability to be present for my kids because in the back of my mind, I was feeling the anxiety about my next drink. I remember thinking, ‘OK, I want to get the kids to bed more quickly so I can drink and calm down.’ I’d be reading to them, but not fully enjoying our time.”
“Mom, I love you, and I want you to get it sober.”
Sarah’s daughter goes on, “But when you’re drinking, you can’t be part of my life.” Sarah now reflects that alcohol clouded everything, making it impossible for her to be a good mom.
Inviting God into recovery
“I didn’t know that I needed to invite God into my recovery, and being at MNTC has made all the difference. I’ve completely surrendered to God. Through MNTC, I actually have my hope restored, my joy is being restored, and my relationship with my kids is being restored. Every day, I trust God and stay connected with Him through my recovery. I’m focused on walking with God, trusting He is going to reveal my future. There’s a whole lot less fear when you’re doing things for your Father in Heaven who really loves you.”
Freedom from addiction starts here
Since 1983, Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge has been restoring joy and hope to people struggling with drug, alcohol, and other life-controlling addictions.
MNTC’s mission is to assist teens and adults in gaining freedom from chemical addictions and other life-controlling problems by addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
MNTC offers a broad spectrum of effective and affordable treatment and recovery programs throughout Minnesota with campuses in Minneapolis, Brainerd, Duluth, Rochester, and Buffalo.
Three words that change everything… I NEED HELP
Struggling with addiction? Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge will guide you through assessments, funding, treatment, and recovery, for men and women of all ages.
Call 612-FREEDOM or go to MNTC’s website
Join MNTC on FRIDAY, May 16, at 5:00 pm at the Minneapolis Hilton for the 32nd annual Minneapolis Gala.