Antonio C.H.
Growing up, life was good but I was verbally and emotionally abused. Once my mom got out of prison my life became something I’m not really comfortable talking about. I never grew up in faith, I grew up fully in the world. My addiction began at 17. I never used any substances or alcohol excessively. I was an adrenaline junkie, whether it was street racing or self-harm, anything to numb my internal thinking, or to be in control of me. I was going to be homeless, and my probation officer gave me a list of resources to choose from, which is how I got to Teen Challenge. I am here to be the light for my family, and to create a strong and intimate relationship with Christ.
Favorite Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
Cesar L.
My life growing up was pretty calm and normal. However, I began messing around with drugs at the age of thirteen. I feel that the biggest reason I enjoyed using drugs was the temporary feeling of masking internal voids and because I didn’t want to face emotions. Right before coming into Teen Challenge, I was faced with multiple legal complications and issues. While I am here, I am striving to get closer to the Lord and receive complete healing so that I can live out the calling that he has on my life. I am looking forward to learning more about the word of God while here in the program and am excited about a new chance at life.
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Christian A.
Growing up I was constantly playing sports and living a normal life. My addiction began at 19 years old to avoid my problems that were forming. The recent crisis that ended up with bringing me to Teen Challenge was my girlfriend leaving me, that left me without purpose and I am here to find it again. I hope to learn how to deal with my emotions and further my faith in God.
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Cody C.
It was pretty difficult growing up with an alcoholic father throughout my childhood. My addiction began during my Uncle’s passing away. My addiction helped me forget my Uncle’s passing and my father’s actions. My father is doing much better today. I am here at Teen Challenge because I was sad and distant towards my family. I hope to find ways to help other people in need and ways to make other people happy.
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
Dale B.
Growing up, I always felt as if I was alone. I bounced around from foster home to group home and that is the main reason that I felt that way. My addiction began when I was in my early teens and knew that I was not going to college. It started with alcohol and marijuana, and then became more severe after my family members passed away. I began doing drugs like cocaine and crystal meth. The drugs made me feel numb and allowed me not to have to deal with the deaths that occurred within my family. Right before coming into Teen Challenge, I almost died and heard about the program while I was in a detox facility. I am here at Teen Challenge to rededicate my life to Christ and become more serious about taking care of my kids.
Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Danny S.
My life growing up was great thanks to my dear strong, hard working mom. Unfortunately I just chose to party at a young age. I was 15 years old when I realized that my addiction had developed. It felt like a temporary get away from reality. I ended up in the ICU for 9 days due to my drug use. When my mom went to visit me on the 7th day in the hospital, she made me promise her that she wouldn’t have to bury me. I’m at Teen Challenge because I needed God to make a dramatic change in my life. I pray to accomplish becoming the man God intended me to be.
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Dustin M.
My life growing up was actually really good. I had loving parents that were supportive and provided for me in every way possible. However, my addiction to drugs began my senior year of high school due to a sports injury and followed me for the next 15 years. I initially used drugs to alleviate physical pain, but then I began surrounding myself with the wrong crowd. This behavior eventually became a lifestyle. Right before entering Teen Challenge, I was using fentanyl and it took over my life. It got to the point where it was interfering with the relationships I had with my children and I knew something had to change. I am at Teen Challenge to seize the opportunity for a new life and a closer relationship with God.
Favorite Scripture: Mark 8:36 “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
Edwin M.
I grew up in the rougher parts of LA (South Central) with a single mother trying her hardest to raise us. My addiction began when I was 16 and I started selling marijuana at school. I believe I had an issue with loving myself so I used drugs as a way to numb my feelings and hide away. My father kicked me out to the streets after he saw I was drinking and smoking marijuana. I am here at Teen Challenge because I feel that God has led me to this place to find a higher calling than to just do drugs. I hope to become spiritually connected to God and to use my gifts and talents with music for good.
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 16:27 “Idle hands are the devils workshop, idle lips are his mouthpiece”
Elias E.
Growing up was life on the White Mountain Apache Tribe. I started drinking when I was young because life moved quickly and it helped numb me through the trials. I had been here at Teen Challenge before and left but came back after another relapse. I hope to complete this time and leave as a man understanding the Word of God and to be a good father to my three kids.
Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
James F.
I had a great family growing up, with great parents. I had guidance and I grew up in church. When I was 12 I began to drink and use drugs. I used to fit in, then I became addicted and it got out of control fast. I had a recent close encounter with death and that is what brought me here to Teen Challenge. I hope to become closer to God and to start my walk with Him. I want to change my life in every area possible for myself, but mostly for God.
Favorite Scripture: 1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is, Jesus laid down his life for us so we ought to lay ours down for our brothers and sisters.”
James N.
Life growing up was overall very good, thanks mostly to parents who held it together for my sister and I very well. After my parents divorced my addiction began, and then the harmful behaviors intensified after my dad passed away. The drugs provided an escape from uncomfortable things and a tumultuous life. A recent crisis that brought me to Teen Challenge was being homeless on the streets. It’s God’s will that I be here. I hope to find the healing of my mind, body and soul, and acquire healthy relationships.
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 54:11 “O you afflicted one, Tossed with tempest, and not comforted, Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, And lay your foundations with sapphires.
Jared G.
I would say my childhood was crazy, I was abused by my mother often. I started using drugs at the age of 16 which progressed to Meth at the age of 20. I used drugs to cover up the pain from life at home. I came into Teen Challenge after years of drug abuse and the emotional trauma I was dealing with from my mother. While in the program I hope to restore my relationship with God, learn how to forgive others, and move forward with my life.
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Jason S.
Life growing up for me was pretty normal, but my addiction began after my divorce 26 years ago. I had too much time on my hands, I was bored with life and wanted a different reality. I found myself running out of money and soon would be homeless. I am here at Teen Challenge for renewal of my faith and shelter. I hope to accomplish a new direction for my life and to help others.
Favorite Scripture: Matthew 6:25 Jesus instructs, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
Jeffrey W.
I had a good childhood growing up. I would say I was around 20 years old when my addiction began. The feeling of getting drunk was something I enjoyed. Most recently I have had a desire to get sober. I came to Teen Challenge to stop abusing alcohol. I hope to accomplish long term sobriety after I complete this program.
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 2:14 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”
Jeremy G.
Growing up I was in a strong catholic family, my mother and father were involved with drugs and alcohol. My addiction began at 13 years old and I used because the environment I was growing up in was all I knew which involved drugs and alcohol. Recently I went on probation and experienced homelessness, which is what brought me here to Teen Challenge. I wanted to better my life with Christ and with Him I pray for early probation and to stay clean off drugs. I hope to accomplish a better lifestyle while being fluent with the Bible and have financial stability.
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 118:17 “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done”
Jonah G.
I was raised wealthy, home-schooled, and healthy. I loved life and my family. I was raised Christian, and I really enjoyed being a part of the church. I started heavily drinking when I started college and I quickly dropped out because of it. I drank to “level myself out.” If I was too bored, I drank and if I was too stressed, I drank. My father died in October of 23’ and I was the one that found him. I proceeded to drink even heavier than I already had been, and I tried to kill myself via overdose twice. I came to Teen Challenge because my drinking led to me losing everything I owned and almost my whole life. I hope that this program will lead me to live an overall healthy life, that would be spiritually, physically and mentally healthy.
Favorite Scripture: John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you, let not your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid.”
Jonathan M.
I would describe my childhood as great. I lived on a ship in the ocean until I was about 3 and then moved to Morocco until I was around 13. I was 17 when I moved to the United States, where I started using drugs to try and fit in with the crowd. I felt different because I was from a foreign country. After years of using and damage to family, friends and relationships, I decided it was time for a change. I know the Holy Spirit brought me into Teen Challenge of Arizona. I aim to complete the program and be renewed. I hope to one day become the Kitchen Coordinator at the Tucson Men’s Induction Center.
Favorite Scripture: Genesis 3:19 “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
Joshua L.
I was born with a cleft palate and cleft lip, so I had a lot of medical issues and was extremely self-conscious as a result. In high school I noticed I was less self-conscious when I was drinking or using drugs, so I was liked more. The drugs and drinking allowed me to open up and not be so socially awkward. A recent crisis that brought me to Teen Challenge was a failed marriage of twenty years. I believe it’s God’s will that I am here, and after working all over the country, I believe Arizona is one of my favorite places. I came for the simple purpose of getting sober. Since being here I’ve found a new relationship with Christ and learned how to love again.
Favorite Scripture: Joshua 7:10 “The Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face?”
Juan L.
I had lots of friends in high school, I got married and had two kids and eventually split up with my wife. I went on a party spree and got addicted to drugs. My addiction began when I left my wife. I believe I used drugs because of the pain that was caused from me being married and separated young. I came to Teen Challenge because I couldn’t hold a job and I was always chasing my next high. I am here to get sober, but most importantly to get closer and connect to our Father God amen. I hope to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 20:2 “Those who anger him forfeit their lives, a kings wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion.”
Julian C.
My dad and my mother went to prison when I was young. Me and my sisters bounced around from shelter to shelter until our Uncle and Aunt adopted us. I was in the 7th grade when I started using drugs and alcohol. I used drugs and alcohol because I wanted to feel good, but as I grew up it was just loneliness that I felt after my loss of time with my parents. Coming out of prison I was still addicted and continued to push people away. I am here to grow into the man that God says I am. I’m just trying to please Christ each day by being loving to others and allowing His healing in my heart.
Favorite Scripture: 1 Peter 1:18-19 “Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
Keith H.
Life for me growing up was actually pretty great. I feel that I had a normal childhood for the most part. When I became a little older, I began prioritizing things that I wanted to do over things that needed to get done, like responsibilities and life’s demands. I never struggled with substance abuse, but I found myself looking for love and acceptance in all of the wrong places. I developed unhealthy spending habits, as well as lived for the approval of others. This addiction mainly served the purpose of receiving the love that I felt I did not receive from my parents and family members. Right before entering Teen Challenge, I left another program that I did not see helping me in the same way Teen Challenge could. I hope to acquire a strong and foundational relationship with Christ, and live a completely different life.
Favorite Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:18 “The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.”
Kyeren T.
My life was pretty abusive growing up. In 2016 my addiction to alcohol began. I drank because I thought it would make things in my life easier and better. I was wrong. I came to Teen Challenge because my trauma and behavior were affecting my first born son and soon to be wife. I hope to regain some of my childhood that I lost while here and to grow in my relationship with God.
Favorite Scripture: Matthew 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, you shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.”
Mark R.
Life was good till I was 10 years old, then I became an introvert and everyone was telling me I couldn’t do anything, then the problems began. My addiction began when I was 20 years old. I didn’t use drugs or alcohol but using porn gave me an outlet away from a lonely life. My parents died July of 2021 and since they took care and sheltered me my whole life, I found out I couldn’t take care of myself and spent all of my inheritance in 2 years. I was homeless and totally alone, I am here to work on a close, intimate relationship with God.
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 41:13- For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Michael G.
Let’s be real, life growing up was really tough. My mom lost her guardianship so I didn’t see her much. My addiction wasn’t really into substances but was video games and I was very angry. I didn’t really use drugs a lot, I smoked weed and vaped, with some drinking but yeah I didn’t rely on it. I got in a fight with my family and went to rehab. My case got dropped and then I ended up coming here to Teen Challenge. My life has been down hill for a long time, but I’m here to turn that around! I hope to get closer to God, restore relationships with my family.
Favorite Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.
Nathan R.
Growing up it was a struggle in wanting to hustle to support my family, but the deeper I went the further into the pit I fell. My addiction began in the 2nd grade on the school football field. It was just a part of my environment, a place to fit in. My struggle in getting to know God and to understand Him truthfully is what brought me here to Teen Challenge. By the Grace of God, He led me here. I hope to accomplish having a stronger faith and not doubt His love.
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 25:25 “Like a city whose wall is broken-through, is a person who lacks self control”
Rudy C.
My parents separated when I was a child, my mom worked and my dad was a drug dealer. My addiction began when I was 15 years old. I started drinking and using lots of different drugs, mainly pills and opioids. I didn’t have value in my own life or really love myself so I was in the habit of not feeling anything and even overdosing. I came to Teen Challenge due to relapse. I was drinking and snorting my paychecks, and I was just miserable and thinking of suicide. I'm here because Teen Challenge has helped me to find peace and joy in the Lord and not in some bottle or baggie. I hope to have long term peace, to develop my relationship with the Lord and build a strong foundation as to know how to handle and overcome struggles and hardships.
Favorite Scripture: Romans 12:9-10 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Runeal T.
Growing up was worldly good but not fulfilling. My addiction began at the age of 13, it made me feel like I was all that and a bag of chips. The crisis that brought me here to Teen Challenge was my wife and I being hooked on heroin. I am here to let God get the Egyptian mentality out of me. I’m tired of running back to my sin. I want to let God get glory out of my life.
Favorite Scripture: Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Saul C.
I’m the youngest of seven. I had a strong bond in my family, my dad was strict, and my parents worked all day. After 8th grade in high school is when my addiction began. Being around cousins and always wanting to be the first at everything pushed me to try things. I used drugs because of peer pressure and curiosity with alcohol and some coke and marijuana. Thoughts of suicide and being alone and feeling hopeless brought me to Teen Challenge, I was on the streets before I got here. I am here to find better communication with God and to tell and show my family that everything is possible with God.
Favorite Scripture: Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Saul G.
Growing up was good, I had good parents. My brother had leukemia. I had cancer 8 years ago, but God healed me from that. I was 14 years old when my addiction began. I used everything at the start just to have fun and then I realized I was trapped and couldn’t get out. I recently had a crisis in my marriage and that brought me here to Teen Challenge. I am here because I want to be a new father, husband, son, and brother. I want to completely surrender to God and let Him heal my heart.
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4: 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Scott S.
My father passed away when I was 10 years old. My mom sacrificed so much to provide a stable and loving home for me, my brother and my sister. We had a loving home, but it was difficult at times. My addiction began at the age of 22 while living in Minnesota. I used drugs as a way to cope with loneliness and depression. I always excelled in my job, but that was my only joy in life that I had. I allowed my job to define who I was as an individual. I hit rock bottom, completely losing everything. My family was at the point that they refused to enable me any longer. I am here to transform my life and to have a life with Jesus Christ. My sister always told me that my addicted life would not be changed until I found Jesus and asked him to help me change my life. She was 100% correct.
Favorite Scripture: Revelations 4:1 “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
