Tucson Center Students

Life growing up treated me pretty well. I was a great athlete throughout school, so the majority of my time was consumed with athletics, spending time with friends and family, and living a relatively normal life. My addiction to substances didn’t really begin until my late twenties, probably around 28 or so. I began using drugs to remain close to my spouse at the time. That was the lifestyle that she was consumed with and I wanted to do things we could both enjoy. At the time, I had no idea how much of an impact that decision would have on my life. My addiction spiraled out of control to the point that I eventually lost custody of my children. That occurrence was the tipping point in deciding to come into the program. I am here at Teen Challenge to become the man of God that I was destined to be, regain control over my life and loved ones, and to walk in lasting sobriety and success. I am excited for what the future holds and am expecting to become a changed man!

Favorite Scripture: Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I grew up in a kind and loving family. Overall, my childhood was normal and I do not have much to complain about in that regard. Around the age of 13, I was introduced to smoking marijuana, which quickly turned to more powerful substances. By the age of 16, I was snorting cocaine and by the age of 18, I was addicted to meth. Looking back, I just wanted to do what my friends were doing and have a good time. I now know that I was misguided. Just before coming into Teen Challenge, I lost everything. I lost my house, cars, and business that I owned. I am here at Teen Challenge to build a firm foundation in Christ and stay clean and sober for good. I am also looking to forgive myself for allowing these addictions into my life and to pursue a great future having my past serving as a lesson learned!

Favorite Scripture: Psalms 1:3 “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all he does, he prospers.”

Growing up, life was pretty unstable. I was continually out of the house, doing my own thing. I got connected to a rough crowd and the majority of my friends were much older than me. My addiction began at the age of 13. It started out with smoking marijuana regularly, but as I got older, I was introduced to other drugs from those around me. My drug of choice, however, was opiates. I primarily used drugs and alcohol to serve as a means to handle grief. I felt that substances offered emotional stability for me. I came to Teen Challenge to become closer to God, to learn the tools to live a healthy and clean life, and to put down substances once and for all. While in the program, I hope to learn healthy coping mechanisms that I will be able to use as an alternative to drugs and alcohol.

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom Shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am, Send me!”

Life was pretty depressing and boring while I was growing up. I suffered from both emotional and mental abuse, being excluded from participating in regular activities that I wanted to do. I never had an addiction to substances or alcohol, but was addicted to harming myself physically and even attempted to take my own life. Self-harm was a way for me to feel something other than the emotional pain. I decided to leave home at the age of 18 and be on my own. Through this, the Lord led me to Teen Challenge of Arizona to grow closer to him and shape my identity in and through him. I want the Lord to change my thinking, show me my purpose, and give him all the praise. I look forward to walking with Jesus for the rest of my life.

Favorite Scripture: Psalms 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

I had a normal childhood until I reached the age of 16, when I was introduced to drugs and alcohol. When I was initially introduced to substances, I was really just looking to have a good time. I thought of it as innocent partying. I would later become addicted. It got to the point where I could no longer take care of or provide for myself, and I was on the verge of becoming homeless. I was at my rock bottom. I am here in Teen Challenge to gain an understanding of the Lord and have a completely different life. I am hoping to receive love and joy from God while being here and I have faith that these things will happen. 

Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.”

I’ve been a middle-class, blue collar worker pretty much my entire life. I believe in hard work and good character. I would say that my addiction really began when I was in high school. Instead of focusing on classwork, I fell into drinking alcohol and smoking pot as much as I could. It initially started because I was curious about that type of lifestyle. However, heavy drinking stuck with me for years to follow. Before coming into Teen Challenge, I attempted to take my own life. It felt as if I could not live with alcohol or without it. By the grace of God, I am still here today. I am here at Teen Challenge to get close to the Lord, live at peace, restore broken relationships, and to live a life filled with joy and happiness. I know that comes only from walking in-step with the Lord.

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding.”

Growing up, life was pretty tough. There were family conflicts that I was caught in the middle of and my dad gave me a few bad experiences. My addiction initially began around the age of 17. It started with drugs such as marijuana and cocaine, but progressed to harder drugs down the road. Looking back, I used substances to try to numb the pain that my father caused. Before coming into Teen Challenge, I had a pretty severe stroke. I lost my job and my sense of identity. I am here at Teen Challenge to get back to my roots. I was raised a Christian and walked with God, but ended up doing my own thing. I have faith that the Lord will restore what was taken from me. I hope to one day own my own business again. The Lord will take care of me. I am excited for His plan for my life!

Favorite Scripture: Matthew 8:20 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Growing up, my life was great until around the age of thirteen. Around this time, my parents separated and I began to follow the wrong crowd and engage in destructive behavior. I would say that my addiction also began around this time, as I began to experiment with marijuana and alcohol. I used drugs to cope with emotional problems and escape from reality. Right before entering Teen Challenge, I had finally reached what felt like rock-bottom. I was homeless for over a year, and pretty much hopeless. Through Teen Challenge and the Lord, I am hoping to have a brand new life and grow closer to God. I strive to be the man that God expects me to be, to follow his word and instruction, and to be a light to the broken. I am looking forward to this journey and am grateful for this opportunity.

Favorite Scripture: Psalms 34:14 – “Turn away from evil and do what is right! Strive for peace and promote it!”