From Despair to Hope & Freedom
Living in active addiction for the last 10 years had turned me into a very cold, dark and lonely person. Life was full of pain and suffering
that had grown into a strong sense of self hatred. Living with such emotions had taken its final toll on me in December of 2006. I could no longer
hide from the person I had become. Drinking and drugging could no longer hide the reality of a life gone wrong. A failed suicide attempt left me in the
hospital, with nothing but tears running down my face. I had tried to find the peace in death that I could not find in life The decision to go to Valley
Hope was not mine. With no where to live or turn, I had no choice. My first night in detox changed my life. That night I accepted God into my life. He
turned my heart of stone back to flesh and it began to beat again. I was beaten and became willing. I am powerless over drugs and alcohol.
Through intensive counseling sessions, small group and patient interaction, the walls I had built around myself slowly began to fall. My walls had been
built so that no one could see me, know me or touch me. As these walls fell, I began to feel hope where none existed. I learned my regrets, reservations
and self-pity would get me no where. Forced to look at myself I began to accept. As I gained more and more sobriety, things began to become very clear to me.
Things like what I did, why I did them or why I did not do them. I am living the life today that I have always wanted. No lies, no hiding and no regrets. I
thank God everyday for the great gift I have received. I recognize God for what He is and not for what He has done for me. I am gaining the trust of those I
love again, and most importantly I have learned to love myself unconditionally. Accept Him, work the program, join the fellowship of your choice and see that
the message is hope and the promise is freedom. Matthew E Atchison Valley Hope
By: Matthew E.