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New Way of Life Ministries

Saving Lives One Day At a Time

By Douglas PettawayPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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I would like to write some about the on going problem of drug and alcohol addiction in this county.

Here in North Carolina and in many other states, there is a addiction epidemic that is way out of control. In this state the drug and alcohol treatment centers and reducing the times that clients are allowed to stay. Stays at detox centers are usually 3 to 7 days. Treatment centers, normally house clients for 28 to 30 days. Currently, state funding has cut client stays in treatment to 14 days or less.

A life long substance abuse problem cannot be cured in 14 days. I have started a ministry, New Way Of Life Ministries, because as former substance abusers, we know and understand what it takes to achieve long term sobriety. Our ministry was set up to encourage and teach the newcomer life skills that we have lost while in active addiction.

We are part of the solution to a deadly problem. New Way Of Life Ministries provides a safe, clean and highly structured environment for its residents. When a person leaves a treatment or detox center, aftercare is very important. Sober living homes provide that. Continued education, job readiness training, coping skills, relapse prevention and restoration of family relationships are just some of the programs that sober living homes have to offer.

The government has waged war on opioids in America. Opioids are not the only problem. It is impossible to only fight part of a problem. Drugs in general, as well alcohol are destroying families, babies are born into addiction. The prisons are full of people who are there as a direct result of alcohol and drug abuse. This is a fatal disease and if we don' do more to stop it, our countries population will continue to dwindle.

In the 12 step program community, we have a set of spiritual principles that we live by., one of them is, "The only way to keep from returning to active addiction, is to not take the first drug. As recovering alcoholic and addicts, it is our spiritual duty to help those who are still suffering. We only keep what we have by giving it away.

Addiction and Alcoholism is a disease that centers in our minds, therefore we are obligated to teach the newcomers how to renew their minds. This method is quite simple. In order to renew ones mind, the individual must first be, honest, open-minded and willing to change. What we required was a complete physic change. We suffer from a disease from which there is no known cure. There is no chemical solution to a spiritual problem.

Going to 12 step meetings and serving as trusted servants at these meeting has kept millions of us clean and sober. By attending meetings, sharing and listening to members share their experience, strength and hope has kept many of us clean. It's that simple.

New Way Of Life Ministries is on the front lines of this was and we will continue to fight until the powers that be see that this is a problem that will only get worse, if more isnt' done. Addiction is a progressive disease, and if not treated incrrectly, will result in jails, institutions and death.

There are success stories that we are proud of. Here is one.

My name is Doug P. I was born in New York City in 1966. My childhood was not a normal one. I grew up in a dysfunctional family. My Father only showed me and my Brother affection when he was drunk. My Mother was a quiet woman who took care of discplining me and my Brother.

I was expsed to the streets of New York at an early age, 12 years old to be exact. The street were not kind to me, so I turned to drugs and alcohol to fit in. It was fun in the beginning until addiction reared its ugly head. By the age of 17, I was in full blown addiction and alcoholism. I began to commit a number of crimes to support my habit, thus began my frequent trips to jail and institutions.

As time progressed, I sank deeper and deeper into the ugly world of addiction. My family disowned me, my so called friends were far and few, life became unmanageable and I sank into a deep depression.

Finally, when I hit rock bottom I moved to North Carolina with my family. Years later I was introduced to the 12 step fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was suggested to me, that I enter the local detox center then go directly into treatment which I gladly did. I was very fortunate to have entered treatment when the normal stay was 30 to 90 days. I stayed the 90.

After treatment I entered a sober living community and my life took on new meaning. Finally, I was free and free indeed.

Today, I am the founder of New Way Of Life Ministries Mens Recovery Homes in North Carolina. My job keeps me sober, helping others who are just like me has become my passion and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

If you have read thus article and you or a loved one is suffering from this deadly disease, I urge you to seek help before it is to late. My Prayers are with you and I wish you long term success on your journey of recovery.

Yours, Doug Pettaway Founder New Way Of Life Ministries.

addiction
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