Dave Shields - Faith in Addiction

Dave was exposed to drugs and alcohol in jr high. 
Love for sports was trumped by drinking and getting high 
By the end of high school, full-blown addiction to opioids
Looking for approval - wanting time fit in 
Addition stemmed from Insecurity and fear at a young age. Fear of rejection.
Very caring and loving home almost to a fault and not experiencing consequences. It wasn’t intentional but hindered growth for Dave.
No view of God at all in teen years. Self-focused. God was nonexistent. 
Move back home.
What caused you to hit the wall?
in Myrtle Beach, getting thrown out of school
started using heroin
Was arrested
The police officer said I never want to see you again - changing point in your life


Drinking and drugs were never enough. Always searching for a greater high.

Playing with fire. Opening up yourself to stronger drugs.
It’s all a trap.
It’s shameful* when your child is struggling with addiction. *You don’t have to be ashamed. 
Brother went to FL to get clean. Dave’s parents sent Dave to his brother to get clean.
The first two years continued in addiction.
2009 entered into the program.
I saw the love that the brothers had for one another. I had never seen this type of unity.
I want to experience that.
4-6 months, you’re required to read the Bible every day. 
It clicked one day. I was saved.
That’s when things started to change. 
I fell in love with Christians before I fell I love with Christ.
Growing up I was known as a quitter. I ran when things were difficult.


Don’t quit. Stay. Fight.  

2 Corinthians 5:17 
Disease or choice or volunteerism and slavery
God has a solution for sin.  
Addicts who really embrace the forgiveness of the cross start to see the freedom that comes with that.