By Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D.
Founder and CEO
Joy Junction Inc.
Motivations for recovery “down to earth and even timeless.”
Joy Junction’s nine month life recovery program can often mean the difference between life and death – both emotionally and physically- for many of its participants.
A life recovery class at Joy Junction.
Based on the Tyndale House Life Recovery Bible, the Christ in Power Program- known as CIPP- comprises classes, case management, Bible study and volunteer assignments.
There’s also a graduation ceremony at the end of the program, where participants enjoy a special dinner and are recognized by staff and shelter guests for the changes that have occurred in their lives while participating
in the program.
Our staff have found that addiction to alcohol and drugs (both illegal and
prescription) is often fueled by life’s tragedies and the consequent desire to “forget.” However, what starts off with a desire to just take something
– anything – that will make the day bearable, often balloons very quickly into a full fledged addiction and life altering circumstances. It’s at this point that people often arrive at Joy Junction.
If potential guests are in active addiction mode, we send them to a county detox, where the chemical effects of addiction can be appropriately dealt with. Once that is completed, they can then apply to join CIPP.
During their program experience, they’ll learn that a relationship with Jesus Christ will give them what they need to successfully make it through the day sober and clean without resorting to mind numbing substances.
But somewhere along the way-both before and during the rigorous program- there has to be a clear motivation for recovery. Our program instructor recently asked participants about that motivation. Some of their responses, he told me, were “down to earth and even timeless.”
Someone wrote that it was time to “live in reality. Make amends with myself, and others that I am able to make amends with. As well as to God. To live the rest of my life as a responsible person that is able to enjoy life, without the misery of addiction.”
Another person said, “I have spent most of my life in a blur. I am ready to move forward in life and be the best father I can be.”
One man said his motivation for recovery was to stay alive and keep his health.
In addition, he added, he didn’t want to leave his wife and family without a husband and a father. This man also wanted to “grow old with my wonderful wife,” buy a home, travel the world with his wife and give hope to others.
Another man said the Bible and his wife inspired his recovery. He said he well remembers how he felt when drugs took everything.
One woman said she didn’t want her son to see her growing up with her addiction.
She added, “I lost my way and my faith, so another motivation for recovery is to find my way back to God.”
Another participant echoed this, writing that while she used to be “an independent hard working mom, my addiction has made it where I didn’t fight for my boys. My motivation is my daughter and to not let her down or fail her as I did my boys, and to become independent.”
Someone else wrote that while her motivation for recovery was her husband and children, she was also tired of making herself suffer.
She continued, “All the pain I put me and my family through motivates me to make different choices in my life for the better.”
God also was an integral part. “I am excited to get closer to Him and I am hungry for His love, and can’t wait to see His awesome glory shine in my life. I want others to see that there is a God and He is very powerful and there is nothing He can’t fix.”
Another person’s motivation for walking recovery road was to find peace with the Lord and “to find a better way to get past my past.”
This person continued, “I have begun to feel the Lord more and more in my everyday life. I can say I have almost fully found God, but still have some more to learn.”
One person’s reason for recovery seemed to sum it all up. It was profound, yet simple and real. This individual wrote, “(I want) to be close to all of my family and children for the rest of my life, and maintain physical and
spiritual health. And … pay back my friend 200.00 dollars.”
So please say a prayer for everyone at Joy Junction who has made the decision to join our recovery program. It’s not easy, but the results are life changing and eternal.
