In this moving and raw episode of Testimony Transformations, Charlie shares his powerful journey from silent addiction to spiritual freedom. Raised in a loving home with no history of substance abuse, Charlie’s battle began in middle school, driven by a desire to change how he felt and to fill what he now recognizes as a God-sized void. Behind a smiling, high-achieving exterior was a double life marked by secrecy, self-destruction, and a desperate need for relief.
From early experiments to full-blown addiction in high school and college, Charlie’s story reveals the deceptive nature of addiction—the way it hides in plain sight and destroys from the inside out. Despite excelling in academics and athletics, including swimming at SMU, he was spiraling into deeper patterns of substance abuse. His turning point? A night in a hot tub after a music festival, under the influence and recently detained by police. It was there, utterly broken, that Charlie felt a peace he couldn’t explain—what he later recognized as the presence of God.
Charlie credits the life-changing 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for first introducing him to a relationship with a Higher Power, and eventually to Jesus Christ. He walks us through the spiritual nature of recovery, highlighting the humility of confession, the gift of surrender, and the healing power of community. Through working the steps, Charlie found freedom—not just from drugs and alcohol, but from shame, fear, and the need to hide.
For families walking alongside loved ones in addiction, Charlie offers insight into the hidden nature of this disease and emphasizes the importance of compassionate support, boundaries, and education. He recommends Al-Anon Family Groups, a community offering strength and hope for those affected by someone else’s drinking.
💬 “You don’t have to fix it alone. God already knows. And He’s waiting with open arms.” – Charlie
📖 Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Charlie realized that his greatest strength came when he finally admitted his weakness and surrendered to God's will.
Psalm 34:18 – "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Even at his lowest, God was not distant—He was present, pursuing, and ready to redeem.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Today, Charlie lives as a new creation—free, restored, and committed to helping others find that same transformation.
Resources to Get Help:
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you’re not alone—and there is hope. Charlie encourages anyone feeling lost to reach out and take the first brave step toward healing. These resources were instrumental in his recovery:
📘 Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
A 12-step recovery program that offers structure, support, and a spiritual path to freedom from addiction.
➡️ https://www.aa.org
👥 Al-Anon Family Groups
A community for friends and family members affected by someone else’s alcoholism—providing encouragement, boundaries, and tools to walk alongside with love and wisdom.
➡️ https://al-anon.org
No matter how far gone you feel, God is not done with your story. Charlie’s journey proves that even in our darkest moments, God is moving—restoring what was broken, redeeming what was lost, and writing something new.
🎧 If this episode touched your heart, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that God is still in the business of transformation.
And as always, remember:
✨ No story is too broken for God to redeem.
