My Road to Getting Away From Drugs
“My Road to Getting Away From Drugs” – Joshua K.
At The Salvation Army of Evansville, we know that the road to healing isn’t straight or smooth—but we believe in walking alongside every person willing to take that first step. Even when life is heavy with pain, stories like Joshua’s remind us that transformation is possible. This is why we’re here.
“I started using drugs when I was just 10 years old—first marijuana, then heavier use through my teens. In my 20s, I began experimenting with meth, and it quickly took hold of me.
At 28, everything changed when I found out I was going to be a father. I quit everything cold turkey. For a while, I stayed clean. But when my son was two years old, he was brutally beaten by his mother and her partner. The pain was unbearable. I fell back into drugs—hard. I started injecting Dilaudid and meth, and eventually heroin. Meth made me feel like I could be myself, like things slowed down. But really, I was numb—just reliving that awful night over and over again.
By January 2025, I hit rock bottom. I came close to ending my life. If it weren’t for Salvation Army staff, LeJean, Alex H., and my caring mom, I wouldn’t be here today.
On January 28, 2025, I made the decision to get clean—for myself this time. I went to Brentwood for five days and afterwards met Captain Brandon from The Salvation Army. He encouraged me to go to Wooded Glen for a 25-day recovery program. I took that step, but before that, in the parking lot, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.
Now, I’m clean. I don’t have the desire to use anymore. I stay away from it all—and I feel amazing.”
This is what hope looks like. This is what healing looks like. Joshua’s journey isn’t just a story of recovery—it’s a testimony to the power of love, faith, and support. And it’s exactly why we continue to show up, even when the days are long and the work is hard. Because every life matters, and every story deserves a second chance.