James' Story

"Before Powerhouse, I was a dope fiend, chain-smoking sex addict. I cussed like a sailor and risked my jobs, places, cars, and friendships just to get drugs and have sex. I had a best friend pass away in my room, and many others—including myself—OD and almost die. Ambulance rides and trashy hotels were normal for me. I was the definition of a powerless person, and self-sabotage was one of my favorite hobbies. I was also on the run from the cops with two DUIs, which was the first thing my strategist David had me deal with.

Honestly, I never intended to stay sober this long. I went into rehab just to detox so I could go back to using on the weekends. But while I was there, I met a Powerhouse graduate at an AA meeting who shared her testimony with me, and it got me interested. If I’m being real, I had ulterior motives coming in—hearing about a free place for two years and a free dentist had me all in. I was missing my top six teeth, so yeah, I couldn’t pass that up.

About 30 days into Powerhouse, I got my phone back. I wasn’t planning to go back to drugs, but I was still planning to hook up with people from dating apps. I had something lined up, but I chose to bring it to Kevin, one of the pastors, thinking he might be chill about it. Well, that conversation didn’t go the way I expected—but it changed something in me. For once, I stopped and really listened to someone who had a life I wanted. I realized I had been giving pieces of myself away to people I didn’t even know. Right then, I knew something had to change.

From that moment forward, God saw my obedience and did way more than I ever signed up for. I started learning new ways to build real intimacy. I began trusting my leaders and opened up to my roommates about who I really was. That was new for me. Growing up, leaders in my life either left me or were led by addiction. Trust didn’t come easy. But choosing vulnerability allowed me to finally get help that I needed.

Today, I am only a few weeks away from celebrating one year free from sexual addiction and nicotine, and almost 2 years free from 5 other substances! I’ve put to death the rockstar lifestyle I once chased, and now I’m living what I like to call a Godstar lifestyle. I enjoy the simple things—like going to sleep in a clean bed and waking up with joy. I care about my finances. I have a savings account. I budget every week. I’ve changed everything. I’ve become someone who speaks up, resolves problems with love, sets boundaries, and steps into uncomfortable situations with courage and boldness.

I’ve built new habits like reading the Bible every morning, journaling, writing poems, and playing pickleball. I go out and share the love of Jesus, speaking hope to the hopeless. I love going to work and waiting tables. If I had a thousand tongues, I couldn’t fully express all that the Lord has done for me—and what He’s still going to do. I can’t wait to see what this new future is gonna look like!"

- James, Graduate of the Men's Residential Recovery Center