Addiction Help

Dear friend,

If you are looking for a way out of addiction, I want you to know that you are not alone. There is hope, help is available, and your life can change.

I understand what it feels like to be trapped in addiction. I struggled for most of my life and reached places I never imagined I would go. Addiction took many things from me, but by the grace of God, it did not have the final word. Today, I am clean and sober, and I have the privilege of walking alongside others who are searching for that same freedom.

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There is something I often tell people when I am doing outreach on the streets: “I’ll do everything I can to help you, but I can’t fight for you. You have to fight.”

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I can bring you something to eat. I can get you clothes. I can sit with you, pray with you, drive you to detox, help you find treatment, encourage you, and walk alongside you.

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But at some point, you have to decide to fight.

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I have met so many incredibly gifted and talented people on the streets. People with intelligence, ability, and tremendous potential. But addiction is powerful. Sometimes it becomes easier to surrender to it, feed it, and live another day in the same cycle than to fight your way out.

That is why I keep saying: Fight.

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Fight for your life. Fight for your family. Fight for your future. Fight for the person God created you to be.

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Recovery is possible, but you have to take the next step. You do not have to understand the entire journey today. Sometimes the first step is simply admitting that you need help, speaking honestly with someone you trust, entering detox or treatment, attending a recovery meeting, or asking God to help you make it through one more day.

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This website was created as a free resource for people struggling with addiction and for the families who love them. Here you will find encouraging videos, helpful links, recovery resources, and my free book, THE STREET: The BJE Story.

 

I share my story openly because I want others to know that no life is beyond the reach of God.

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Please do not try to fight this battle alone. Reach out to a recovery program, medical professional, pastor, trusted family member, or someone who understands addiction. I am also only a message away if you need spiritual encouragement or help finding support.

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The Bible reminds us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. He knows our pain, our failures, and even the words we cannot bring ourselves to say. You may feel forgotten, but you are not forgotten by God.

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Call on Him in prayer. Ask Him for the strength to take the next step, and then keep moving forward one day at a time.

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Jesus said:

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Hold on to that promise. Your past does not have to determine your future. God has not given up on you, and neither have I.

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Keep fighting. One decision, one step, and one day at a time.

If I can help or encourage you in any way, please reach out.

With respect, love, and hope,

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Brother John Elving

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If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.

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Crisis support:

Canada: Call or text 988
United States: Call or text 988
Mexico, Línea de la Vida: 800-911-2000
United Kingdom and Ireland, Samaritans: 116 123
Australia, Lifeline: 13 11 14
New Zealand, Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354

For crisis support in other countries, visit www.befrienders.org.