By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Addiction Recovery – Finding Hope.

She found a lifeline, not just to a scripture study, but to a community that would help her reclaim her identity beyond the shadows of addiction.

From Desperation to a Spiritual Turning Point

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse, more than 165 million Americans aged 12 and up are currently misusing drugs or alcohol. For every person caught in the grip of substance abuse, there is a family member—mom, dad, sister, brother, wife, husband, son, daughter, or grandparent—praying for relief. A mother and wife from South Carolina described how she first encountered the podcast’s Bible plan through the YouVersion app while seeking answers for her husband’s addiction. “Thank you, Jesus! I’m so grateful for that. It saved my life and it changed my life all at the same time,” she recalled.

That moment of divine connection led her to fill out a form, receive a call from the program’s team, and join a supportive meeting. The experience opened a door to tools and insights that helped her shift focus from trying to control her husband’s behavior to nurturing her own spiritual and mental health.

Learning to Let Go: Boundaries, Codependency, and Empowerment

Candace explained that years of trying to manage her husband’s addiction left her exhausted. “I learned that I can’t change somebody else, but I can change myself,” she said. Embracing this truth allowed her to set healthy boundaries and recognize the patterns of codependency and enabling that had silently governed her relationships.

She described the emotional impact of that realization: “When I found out I was codependent, I cried for two days.” The breakthrough prompted her to study biblical principles of surrender, such as Matthew 11:28, which promises rest to the heavy‑laden. By releasing her burdens to God, she found a renewed sense of peace and purpose, even amid ongoing challenges.

Reframing Identity: From Pain to Purpose

For many loved ones, addiction becomes a defining label. Candace’s early perspective was no different; she once said, “My identity was the pain of addiction.” Over time, however, she discovered that the struggle also cultivated spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. “Now I can say that it truly grew me up spiritually,” she affirmed.

She emphasized that identity should be rooted in who we are in Christ, not in the roles imposed by another’s addiction. “Your identity is not a wife of an alcoholic; your identity is the daughter of the King,” encouraging listeners to spend intentional moments in prayer each morning to release the weight of another’s choices.

Practical Steps for Loved Ones Seeking Hope

Amy LaRue, host of the series, highlighted several actionable suggestions from Candace’s journey. Setting a five‑minute alarm each morning to pray without distractions, writing out verses like Jeremiah 33:3, and consistently evaluating personal communication habits were among the tools offered.

The conversation also underscored the importance of community. When Candace needed prayer, she reached out directly to Amy, demonstrating that a simple request for spiritual support can reinforce the network of hope that the podcast cultivates.

Why This Matters: A National Call to Compassion

With addiction touching a staggering portion of the American population, stories like Candace’s remind us that healing often begins with the loved one’s willingness to change themselves. By embracing faith‑based practices, setting boundaries, and refusing to let addiction define their identity, family members can become beacons of resilience for others facing similar battles.

As the conversation concluded, Candace left listeners with a clear invitation: “It’s not a mistake where you are. You can’t change the other person, but you can release them to the Creator and let God handle what He already made.” This message of surrender and hope resonates far beyond any single family, offering a roadmap for countless households across the nation.

The full episode of Addiction Recovery – Finding Hope is available on OBBM Network TV.