I’d been on Drugs since the 2000s: I Met Jesus in the Streets.

The Cruel Reality of Drug Abuse in the USA

Drug abuse is an overwhelming crisis in the United States, with millions of lives impacted by addiction. Understanding the gravity of the problem related to drugs is critical in addressing the devastating consequences it has on individuals, families, and communities.

In the United States, approximately 46.3 million (around 16.5% of people aged 12 and older) were diagnosed with a substance use disorder in the past year, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS). Alcohol, opioids, and other illicit drugs are the most common substances involved in these disorders.

While millions struggle with addiction, only about 10% of those with substance use disorders receive treatment. Of those who do enter treatment, less than 42% complete it. The road to recovery is difficult, with relapse rates between 40% and 60%, similar to other chronic conditions like hypertension.

Addiction: A Life-Altering Struggle

Drug abuse is a serious and often deadly journey. Additionally, for those trapped in the cycle of addiction, life feels like walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Every step is fraught with uncertainty, fear, and the ever-present possibility that it might be their last.

Those whose lives were nearly destroyed by addiction are all too familiar with this cruel reality. However, the story you’re about to read is not just one of despair—it’s a powerful testament to hope, faith, and transformation through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)

From Innocence to Sin

As a little girl, Erica never imagined her life would be anything less than a beautiful fairy tale. However, growing up, her need to fit in led her to places entangled in the web of addiction, alcohol, and violence. Although she knew of God, sin made her heart grow cold to her faith. Years later, an encounter with Jesus Christ changed her life.

“My name is Erica Davenport. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but now I live in Georgetown, Kentucky. I just wanted to share my testimony of how God transformed my life and took me out of the devil’s mouth, and I ran into God’s arms.”

Early Exposure and the Descent into the Devil’s Den

Erica’s journey into addiction began in the early 2000s when she was introduced to drugs at a young age.

“I started young, hanging with the wrong crowd and using drugs. At that age, I thought it was cool to do, but it took me down a stairway straight to the Devil’s Den.”

As addiction took hold, Erica’s life unraveled. However, over the years, she managed to build a fragile life, but her destructive lifestyle and uncontrollable addictions overshadowed everything she had achieved. She juggled a double life as a mother during the day and an alcoholic and drug addict at night. Unfortunately, this lifestyle took its toll, leading to her losing her home, job, and self-respect. Despite multiple interventions, she couldn’t get off drugs and sober. The darkness had penetrated all areas of her life, leaving her with a record of multiple arrests, DUIs, and what seemed to be the final blow, the end of her relationship with her daughter.

“At some point, I was on the verge of losing my daughter because of my bad lifestyle and frequent relapses. She didn’t want to be around me and stopped talking to me. That was the most painful thing that could ever happen to me. Just the thought of losing her was devastating.”

Finding Hope in Despear

Nevertheless, in those desperate moments, Erica found a glimmer of hope. Although she had departed from God, God had not forsaken her. She remembered her faith and that prayer can change things.

“About eight or nine years ago, at about two in the morning, I was walking down the street, broken and ashamed of myself. I hated my lifestyle and knew something had to change. I asked myself, what do I need to do? And the first thing that came to mind was God. Why am I searching here and there when I know where I need to be? So I prayed to God, let Him know I was tired of living that life, and asked Him to deliver me from my evil ways. And I surrendered.”

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

God answered Erica’s prayer, and a few weeks later, she found Pastor Vlad online and had a life-changing encounter while watching one of his sermons.

“About a month later, I came across Pastor Vlad on YouTube. That sermon changed my life. It felt like he was speaking directly to me, like God was answering my prayers.”

A Turning Point: Embracing Faith and Recovery

That experience was pivotal for Erica, igniting her desire to change. She committed her life to Christ and chose to fully follow God. As a new Christian, she craved the Word of God and watched Pastor Vlad’s sermons enthusiastically. The more she listened to the Word of God, the more she discovered about Jesus Christ. Additionally, God intervened, and her life started to come back together. In the years that followed, the journey to overcome addiction was challenging. However, with God by her side, she achieved sobriety and now lives a clean life.

“Pastor Vlad’s messages were so powerful that the more I listened, the more I got into the Bible. Since then, my life has completely changed. I started praying more, reading, and meditating on the Word of God. I could look at my life to see its worth and the direction it was going. My newfound faith in Jesus Christ gave me the willingness to get clean. As Pastor Vlad says, all you have to do is ask God, and He will deliver you.”

A New Life of Purpose

Erica has overcome her past and found purpose in serving others. She is now a motivational speaker, an author of recovery books, and an advocate for faith-based recovery.

“Today, I am drug-free, serving God, and sharing my testimony to inspire others. I’m a recovery motivational speaker with several books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I speak at different recovery centers and jails, letting people know the power of prayer and how God can change your life if you ask Him.

I love doing ministry. I go out to preach the gospel, feed and clothe the homeless, and share my testimony. I tell them that their situation is only temporary. If God can do this for me, He can do it for anyone who stands on His Word, has faith, and never gives up. With faith, God can turn their life around.”

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Faith, Prayer, and Dedication: A Message of Hope

Erica’s life has transformed from being a victim to becoming a victor. What seemed impossible for man became possible through God.

“I never would have dreamed of this six years ago,” she shares. “I would have never thought I’d be pulled out of the pit. I’m just so grateful. Stand on His Word, have faith, and never give up. The devil is out to lie, kill, steal, and destroy, but you can overcome him. I am living proof of what God and prayer can do. God loves us all; we have to be obedient, stay in His Word, and keep our faith. Amen.”

Erica’s story is a testament to the life-changing power of faith and prayer. Even in the darkest moments, there is hope for a new dawn.

Share this story with those who need encouragement.

If you have received a miraculous healing or deliverance, share your testimony with us at https://pastorvlad.org/my-testimony/

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