Ricky's Story

Ricky started using drugs when he was just 17. “It began with marijuana and acid, then grew to cocaine. ­Then, over the past couple years....heroin,” he says. “What really spiked my addiction was losing my father two years ago.”

Ricky’s addiction was taking a heavy toll on his life, costing him jobs, and alienating him from his family, especially his mother. “I started stealing from her and it broke her heart, so she kicked me out of the house,” Ricky says.

Ricky finally had enough and told his family so. “I finally realized that I just couldn’t do it anymore. I realized that I had a problem,” Ricky says. “I admitted myself and was sent to St. Mary’s for a night, and St. Mary’s told me about the Samaritan House.”

The first night at our shelter, Ricky learned about the Open Door Mission’s Christian Life Recovery Program and decided it was for him, but his first two weeks were rocky.

“I was doing a lot of complaining about the Bible studies until one of my brothers in the program put me in my place,” Ricky says. “­That’s when I changed. I took the mask off that day and now I just soak everything in.”

Ricky had never read the Bible before coming to the Mission, but he now finds guidance and encouragement in the scriptures.

“My favorite is James 1:2 about when troubles, trials, and tribulations come your way. If you overcome them it will bring you great joy,” he says. “I’ve had a couple tests in my life, and because of that I’ve had happiness and more endurance for the Lord. Every day I pray because it says that if you ask for wisdom and knowledge, God will give it to you.”

Ricky has been clean ever since he came to the Mission. “­That’s big for me,” he says. “Over the last 10 years, there wasn’t a day I didn’t go out without at least smoking pot or something. I really can’t tell you how much this place has saved my life.”

Ricky’s relationships with his family are being restored, as well. “Mom visits every Sunday. We talk, and I tell her the truth which I never used to do. That’s how I know it’s working,” Ricky says. “It’s a great thing to see.”

Ricky plans to complete the program and continue seeking God’s guidance in the days ahead. “It helps me out just focusing on the Lord, keeping on this narrow path that He’s provided for me – the path of righteousness,” he says. “What I’m experiencing right now is a blessing.”

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