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Spencer Wood believes that his struggle began long before he ever used drugs, noting, “The addicted mind thinks differently.” Throughout his youth, Spencer felt overwhelming shame, fear, and anxiety, which led him to use drugs as an escape. His escape slowly turned into an addiction that spiraled out of control. He felt immense guilt for hurting people, but felt powerless to stop. After a brief stint out of prison, he broke promises to his family and quickly ended up back in jail. In his desperation, Spencer prayed for help and an opportunity to go to Heartland.

Having been through about 15 different rehabs over 16 years, Spencer found Heartland to be unique. His first night at a chapel service, he recalls arriving and seeing a room full of people just like him, “smiling, some of them crying, singing at the top of their lungs,” and feeling certain that he was in the right place. Unlike other treatment centers that focused solely on his drug problem, Heartland helped him understand that “using the drugs was really not the problem.” He discovered that he had a deeper issue “a sin problem.”

Spencer’s life has taken a positive turn. He has rebuilt trust with his family and formed a close relationship with his son. He no longer sees himself destined to die as a drug addict, saying, “I’ve realized it doesn’t have to be that way.” His message to others struggling with addiction is one of hope: “Don’t ever give up hope… God wants to help you, you just have to let him.”

When Brandon distanced himself from his family, he fell in with the wrong crowd. That led to using drugs and eventually losing his job, leaving him feeling lost and empty inside. Raised in a Christian home, he knew his actions didn’t align with his upbringing. He eventually sought help.

Upon arriving at Heartland, Brandon started to feel at home and recognized that personal change begins with oneself. “No one can help you if you don’t make that step and tell yourself you’re changing,” he said. Heartland’s 12-month residential program gave him the time and space he needed for lasting change. Now, looking to the future, Brandon is optimistic not just for himself but also for his young son. “I can see his future unfolding in my life.”

Heartland is here to help, but the choice to change is yours. We’ve removed one of the biggest roadblocks to taking that next step toward freedom—the cost of treatment—thanks to the generosity of donors who fully fund Heartland Recovery programs for men and women wanting to change. Call today.

Michael grew up in a rough, drug-infested neighborhood in St. Louis. Surrounded by people dealing or using drugs, he rebelled against his strict family. Looking back, he admits, “It wasn’t fun now that I think back on it, it was not fun at all.” His life spiraled as he started staying out all night and hanging with the wrong crowd, influenced by drugs and shame.

Michael had been through Heartland Recovery Program before, but a year ago, he relapsed, thinking he could hide it. The turning point came when his daughter, who always called him “Daddy,” addressed him as “Michael” at his job. “That hurt me to my soul,” he recalls, realizing she was too ashamed to acknowledge him as her father. This moment pushed him to seek help. Since returning to Heartland, Michael has reconnected with his family, talking to his daughter and grandsons weekly. He believes in finding Jesus and just living a good life. “I just feel like God put in my heart that day, you know, to just change and do better.” Michael’s advice to others is clear: avoid drugs, find Jesus, read the Bible, and live a better life knowing God is always watching. “If you never use drugs, don’t use them,” he urges. “Find Jesus because if you don’t, the devil will find you.”

Through the generosity of donors, Heartland is able to provide a place without charge to people like Michael looking for freedom and a fresh start. Help get the word out by sharing these testimonies or letting those who are struggling know there is a place they can get help!

Nick’s journey with addiction began at age seven due to an abusive stepfather. Watching his stepfather numb himself with alcohol, Nick discovered alcohol could numb his pain too, but that only led to hitting absolute rock bottom with a suicide attempt in 2018. The 12-step program helped him get back on his feet, but four years later, Nick relapsed into gambling. Much to his surprise this landed him in jail, which was a wake up call yet again.

Feeling God leading him to Heartland Recovery, Nick filled out an application in jail. Initially resistant, he eventually surrendered to God and found true healing. Now, nearing graduation, he’s committed to following God’s will and has begun to see restoration in some of his broken relationships. His advice to those struggling? While 12-step programs help, true transformation comes from knowing God and His love. Heartland is a place you can come and find God.

Have you tried other Recovery programs, but feel like you need something deeper? Reach out today. Through the generosity of donors, we are able to provide a place without charge to men and women looking for freedom and a fresh start. Help get the word out by sharing these testimonies or letting those who are struggling know there is a place they can get help!