Step 2: Hope - Preston’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

[@thesweetandsourlifeofgenny]

Amen only when I got on my knees (I felt His love too) and begged Him to take it from please, take this craving away! Did I finally get it. He listened I been clean 11 years 11/1/2016

[@stevenmadsen5900]

Preston while I watched this I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of love myself and received my testimony. Thank you. You have changed my eternity.

[@Ether-pb5gb]

how has it changed you in the past 3 years?

[@mikes2fast]

I hope you're doing well out there, wherever you may be. I had a similar experience just now. Immense peace and happiness. He's there.

[@SavanaSue12]

He couldn't even get a word out, couldn't even get a word out!! And God was encircling him in the arms of His love. That part hits me so hard every time!! His chin quivering and his voice...so sweet!

[@hollyranee]

Preston the other day in training I was asked to think of a moment in my life when I knew there was something bigger than me. A moment of awe or amazement. I closed my eyes and thought of the moment. It was the day I prayed and asked God to let me know if what I was about to do was what he wanted me to do. Then I went to church the first time after 15 years. It was the best feeling I have ever felt, my body and soul was filled with love and warmth that is almost impossible to describe. I always knew there was a God and believed in God. At that moment it was undeniable and I knew how much he loved me. I knew everything was going to be ok. God bless you for sharing your story. You have brought hope and light into my life! Thank you for sharing your truth and light.

[@Trancegirl1966]

+Hollyranee S Thanks for sharing your story too! I hope there are people out there who see your post and make take that first step to coming back to Church. Greetings from Australia...

[@sesawinters]

+Hollyranee S Wow Hollyranee what you just said was inspiring!

[@winterblake3421]

you're an inspiration

[@sesawinters]

Indeed you are!

[@sugarghast]

"And I saw these guys, and they seemed happy. And I wasn't happy; I didn't feel deserving of God's love." That was my first experience with the Church- a determined Young Women's leader pushing me into a Sunday school room excitedly and me surrounded by happy people. That leader changed my life forever.

[@KellyMillerldspoetry]

Fallen and at the end of my rope I prayed to know if there was hope I was wrapped in love and lifted in peace God would help my addictions to cease!

[@Leeaura85]

These videos are so inspiring! I am glad I got to be a part in making them :)

[@miroslavturiak4578]

Preston, I am proud of you and feel I want to give you a big hug brother! I have tears in my eyes always when I am watching this video! And believe me I am watching it probably every day since I saw it for the first time! Thank you all who made these video and Mormon Channel for sharing! I felt lost so many times and unworthy of God's love but He's there, He is really there!

[@Ether-pb5gb]

yes, He is there. Hope you are working the steps. The program works, when we work the program.

[@Ether-pb5gb]

God help me today. Keep me today. Bless me, and all of us who struggle. Help me remember the pain of captivity. Help me choose sobriety and freedom today.

[@Ether-pb5gb]

Day 121. But it's still one day at a time

[@jaromrussell9594]

@@Ether-pb5gb I hope you're still doing good!

[@Ranchcreekrecovery]

There is hope. If you are willing to undergo the treatment, you have a brighter future ahead of you.

[@peachesncream67]

Preston - I am not sure if you read any of these comments but I am in awe of the changes you made in your life.... Being a group leader for the ARP programe has been inspiring to me and so helpful and is a blessing to even participate in such a inspired program.... I wonder though how you are and pray that you are travelling forward and you're well.... I wonder how is your brother? I hope he made the same choice as you and he is well. thank you

[@brentgarner3143]

Thank you for your story, thank everyone who made this possible

[@ENFPSIS]

Wow! I've been struggling so much to change, and your story is exactly what I needed

[@user-ih3ty2ne4f]

Hey guys. Don't give up. I know the 12 step ARP works, it is inspired. I have been through it several times as I have struggled with more than one addiction. Just don't give up. The Savior will help us and remove our weakness and lift us up. Trust in the Lord and Don't give up. Thank you for these beautiful videos that have helped save my life. I was excommunicated more than 10 years ago but will soon be baptized..... Because of this programme and The Atonement of Jesus Christ.

[@Ether-pb5gb]

Congratulations brother. I about 10 years ago, I sat across the desk from my bishop. He yelled at me a bit, saying if I did xyz one more time, he would excommunicate me. Luckily, I steered clear from that path, but still struggled. Yesterday, for the first time in 6 years, I got my temple recommend back. You will get there soon too. One day at a time

[@MFeriante]

Amazing series! So inspired by this! Thank you!

[@mistyevents]

Thank you for your story Preston, I really felt the spirit of your testimony and am so happy for your recovery.

[@CarlosWashingtonMercado]

He's there.

[@RavenWicked123]

Carlos Washington Mercado I teared up a little

[@CarlosWashingtonMercado]

Me too.

[@maryanncunningham9872]

So inspiring. Crazy what people go through and then are able to bring that all back into recovery and go back to living a happy life. Makes me grateful that I have the amazing life I do. :)

[@janicegardner5027]

Preston - I hope you are doing well - 8 years later and I also hope you know how much your video touched me today. Thank you.

[@beautycross5820]

My brother is in recovery right now at a place called Minnesota teen challenge for drug addiction and this brought me to tears it hits so close to home and I dos want him back

[@sugarghast]

Beauty Cross Father bless you and your family.

[@Ether-pb5gb]

Hope your brother is doing better

[@davidglover5255]

There is hope. When I finally got the courage to pray, it was amazing. I felt that same thing. Love. I know Father loves me & wants me to be successful. I don't feel as overwhelmed anymore. My burdens have become light. My Shephard lives & loves me.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

David, thank you for sharing your experience and beautiful testimony of Heavenly Father and prayer!

[@SuzzyStohelit]

I am an addict, and a Mormon, and I feel shunned by the church- no ones calla, no one comes to see me anymore, and it makes me feel so alone- I was a primary teacher for so long!

[@Sarah-by3fb]

Have you gone to the 12-step recovery program? And, as much as I hate to say it, there will always be unwelcoming, stupid, unempathetic people who don't understand. Talk to your bishop. He will. And know that I'll be supporting you ;) Good luck, sister.

[@dwighthale6956]

+SuzzyStohelit Rarely will anyone who isn't an addict understand what you are going through. Sadly this includes many bishops. In 12 step fellowships and the LDS Addiction Recovery Program, I have found the help I need to deal with my addictions and people who truly care for me.

[@SavanaSue12]

Pray, read your scriptures, and attend church. People in the church aren't perfect, but the gospel is and it's worth it. I'm sorry no one comes to see. How about go and see them? Everyone struggles with something. Maybe someone needs your fantastic spirit. God is there. You are HIS child.

[@Spencer_Thatcher]

I was an addict for 13 years and just got clean for the first time suzzy, It took all my will power and everything I had THEN the Lord took care of my short comings. no amount of calls and visits will heal your problem. other people can not be your source for recovery. Unless you want this more then you want air, more then your own life you wont get better. Ill say a prayer for you and I hope you know that anyone can have their binds released when you take step 3 and give up you life to god. God speed suzzy

[@akdude81]

It would be nice that every time we felt sorrow, pain, grief, etc, that there was someone to give us a hug and tell us it would be alright. Even though human beings are imperfect and often cruel, our Father in Heaven and his Son aren't. They are always there, we just need to ask.There are a lot of people in the church, a lot of people in need, and a lot of people don't get the help they need from others. Having an addiction makes it even harder. It's not like you can talk about this during Sunday school. However, I seriously doubt anyone is shunning you.

[@smosbystintsfire5487]

This is an amazing series.

[@elizabethschreffler9182]

Thank you for your testimony. Remember one day at a time. Being of Service takes you out of yourself.

[@theGospelofGrowth]

I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost. Hope is so real.

[@bennyisrael2967]

Heroin addiction is like being possessed by a demon. I totally understand this "I felt like I had to use like I had to breath" .

[@SusanDianeHowell]

Benn Yisrael, brave words. Our silence won't save us or help others. Hope gives us new vision and breaks us out of spiraling thought patterns that undermine our full potential.

[@Ether-pb5gb]

how are you in your recovery?

[@aliqureshi2494]

Crying from the point "I just want my brother back" :'’'''( A loving family can change everything. Only These type powerful words of love and care matters very much in recovery. I think ... Anyone might not agrees with meh..

[@Ether-pb5gb]

it takes heart to heart to change hearts. pure testimony.

[@koletengberg2946]

I still wonder how people dislike this

[@Ether-pb5gb]

It's a sign of the times

[@paulmcpherson9350]

While I fully support the message and purpose of this video, as a recovering addict of 8 years, as an active member of the Church, and as a filmmaker, it's completely unnecessary to have reenactment footage of actual drug use or the presence of what is meant to look like drugs in a production like this. For addicts like myself, this causes a triggered response causing the mind to lose sight of the message clinging to the actual experience of using drugs. For those same reasons we're encourages not to talk about specific drug or alcohol use in AA or NA. It's the last thing that someone attempting to abandon drug addiction needs to see. Everything else is spot on and beautifully portrayed.

[@Ether-pb5gb]

can't argue with you much there. I am a sex addict, and sometimes my mind wonders a bit when I watch steps 1/5/9 when they bring prostitutes into the film. More so with step 5 (the guy hiding in the closet while the prostitute is working). At the same time, even though my mind wonders a bit, it is nice to know that they have been in our shoes. I do agree that some of the drug scenes are a bit too graphic. At least the "sex" scenes aren't too revealing, but the drug scenes are.

[@jimmys5328]

When I participate in recovery meetings people always share stories that bring back graphic memories, so should I not listen to them? I don't really mind as long as the Holy Ghost's influence in my heart is mightier than the temptation to dwell on sinful activity. An let me tell you every single time I watch and listen to this video I am deeply moved and inspired by the Spirit, I feel no temptation at all.

[@chazzabooom]

What music is this? Beautiful. Video.

[@matthewcriddle7123]

I this video so much cause I was in it I was the little boy who looked up.

[@Ether-pb5gb]

awesome stuff !!

[@amiboacid7183]

If I only use sleeping pills, is it still considered a sin? It was a few years ago when the Lord hinted me to use drugs, but now based on this video he changed his mind. Can you help me?

[@clintonshill756]

I'm Mormon

[@Ether-pb5gb]

but are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?

[@MegaMarno]

somoene still watching them when you have lack of motivation?

[@Ether-pb5gb]

First show your faith, then the motivation comes. I've been an addict for over 20 years, and as of today am 121 days sober. These past 121 days have been some of the worst in my life, and the best. Just got to work the steps (actually work them), get a sponsor, and commit to weekly/biweekly meetings. Motivation will come. But regardless of whether or not you have motivation, you need to show your faith. If you show your faith, God will show His power in and through you

[@Ether-pb5gb]

And yes, I watch these all the time when I lacked motivation. You gotta keep crying out to God until he fully has you wrapped up in His arms. He is here to save, not to condemn. He is here to bring back that which is lost, he is here to heal the lame, give sight to the spiritually blind, to restore our souls, to bring us peace and make us whole again. Why should we sin, because of our flesh (2 Nephi 4)? Why should we give place in our heart for the enemy of our soul (again 2 Nephi 4)?

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

God bless

[@kiray1835]

i love You God and Jesus! Amen

[@arnaudl59]

Yes it is wonderful ! : D

[@patinocody]

Couldn't keep em in

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Spiritual health

[@matthewcriddle7123]

1:50 that’s me!!

[@CarlosWashingtonMercado]

Lol

[@samuelbennett1786]

does anyone know where I can get the soundtrack to the 12 steps videos?

[@sarahmercer8667]

Amen

[@natedhudson]

What is the song on this? I really believe music is supernal and can invite the spirti.

[@richardchaseperalta]

Alex Alves how about the last song?

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Repentence

[@danielbrown2770]

Man