78. Chaos to Calm - Part 2 (w/ Katie Gerhardt)

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, Katie shares her raw and powerful story of addiction, loss, and redemption. After 20 years of substance abuse, criminal consequences, and fractured relationships, Katie recounts the trauma of homelessness, jail, and the desperation that led her to treatment. Through a faith-based recovery program, reconciling conversations, and the pursuit of God, she finds sobriety, healing, and restoration with her husband and family. Topics covered include the escalation from stimulants to opioids, the dangers of prescription pain medication and fentanyl, the cycle of relapse, and the complexities of relationships in early recovery. Guests and contributors include Katie, program staff from the faith-based treatment center, and supportive family members whose interventions helped catalyze change. Key moments: rock bottom on the streets, the pivotal decision to enter treatment, a spiritual turning point in rehab, rebuilding trust with family, and returning to ministry and Bible college. Listeners can expect a candid conversation about the challenges and rewards of recovery, the importance of community and faith, and practical hope for those feeling unseen or stuck. This episode emphasizes that while addiction can isolate and dehumanize, redemption is possible, and you are not alone.