Carrie’s journey from addiction to redemption is one marked by pain, surrender and ultimately, spiritual awakening. Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery is not just possible, but transformational when guided by faith, conviction and community.
Carrie describes her early years as relatively normal, growing up with her brother under the care of their hardworking father. But the emotional stability of childhood began to unravel in her teens. “I started experimenting when I was around 15 with marijuana, Xanax, and alcohol,” she recalls. Though it started sporadically, it planted the seeds of future dependency.
A Pivotal Moment in Carrie’s Journey
The pivotal moment came at age 23 when her mother passed away. “I didn’t know how to process death. I didn’t want to process death, so I just started using substances to cover it up,” she shares. A car accident soon after introduced her to pain medication—both a physical and emotional escape. From there, her addiction spiraled: “It was just nonstop … for years and years.”
Despite multiple stints in treatment, jail and even prison, Carrie admits she wasn’t ready to change until she hit rock bottom spiritually and emotionally. “Becoming willing was my turning point,” she explains. “I think in a way I kind of wanted to be stopped … I knew deep down I could die.”
An Impact Far Beyond Personal Healing
That change began when she applied to Esther House, one of 7 Springs Ministries’ recovery programs. Initially dismissing the opportunity, she had a moment of clarity after prayer. “I prayed for an answer and I got another application the next day,” she says. “I knew.” From the moment she arrived, she felt a profound sense of welcome: “Everyone was so welcoming and nice … I never really felt overwhelmed or nervous.”
Carrie’s time at Esther House reshaped her spiritual life. “I understand now that I cannot do this without God,” she says. “I had to literally go to God and say, ‘I have put these things ahead of you … I need you to help me through this.’ And he did.”
The impact of her recovery reaches beyond her personal healing. Family relationships have been restored, including with her father and uncle. “My dad trusts me again,” she beams. “I’ve earned the respect and trust of other family members.”
To those struggling with addiction, Carrie offers heartfelt advice: “Just let your guard down, accept that you do need help … and just pray that you can trust God, if you don’t now. In time, I think that you will.”
Her final reflection cuts to the heart of recovery: “Once I became willing, that’s when I believe my true recovery started.”
If you are ready and willing to surrender your addictions once and for all, contact us to get help.
