Sam D.

I grew up in a lower middle-class home. Both parents worked and both followed God. I was always taken care of, but I was a goofy little kid. Drinking and parties were a part of high school but hopes of college and playing football took priority. That was all until my first hit of meth. Before I could even exhale, all my dreams, aspirations, morals and integrity disappeared. The chase for the next hit consumed my life. I used it as an escape, in a world where pleasure was the goal. Meth gave me that pleasure, then I needed alcohol to nurse away the shame, pain and guilt that came from the lifestyle seeking that pleasure. After 4 months in Teen Challenge in Alaska, my home state, then a short stay at another program, I found myself needing a place of grace, support and love. That’s what brought me to Teen Challenge of AZ. I am here to find a life worth living, not just for myself, but for God and His greater purpose for me. I hope to make amends with people in my life I have hurt, and to make myself into a man of God who feels worthy of love. I want to be a son my mom can be proud of.