Addicted to Jesus: Candace Barrett on Trading Her Dope for the Divine

In Episode 2 of Live Inspired with Dr. Elona, we sit down with Candace Barrett — senior recovery coordinator at We See You San Diego, a Christ-centered nonprofit dedicated to helping people living homeless and addicted find lasting freedom. Candace spent 25 years in addiction and 6 years living on the streets of San Diego. In May of 2020, after being beaten severely and left for dead under a bridge off Friars Road — surrounded by broken meth pipes, used needles, and trash — she had a tangible encounter with the living God. Today she walks the very streets that almost took her life, offering the same hope that was offered to her. In this episode, Candace shares: The "epic dinner party" model behind We See You San Diego — and why she finally said yes to an invitation she'd ignored for years Her road-to-Damascus moment under the bridge in May 2020 — and why her inspiration is rooted in relationship, not theology or doctrine The God-given challenge that reframed her recovery: "Come after me the way you came after your dope" How addiction creates worshippers — and how that same all-in pursuit, redirected, becomes a spiritual discipline The brutal honesty about her past — losing her job in the military, every home, every job, her marriage, and her two children The miracle of restoration: 6 years clean and sober, her husband 5 years clean, her son 3 years clean and recently married, and a daughter who prayed for her every day for 15 years Breaking generational curses — and the unexpected gift of foster parents who taught her children to pray for their mother instead of hate her How she protects her relationship with God like she once protected her drug supply — and what it means to "stay connected to the Vine" Her closing message: a true miracle is just one breath away About Candace Barrett Candace is the senior recovery coordinator at We See You San Diego, a Christ-centered nonprofit dedicated to helping people living homeless and addicted find lasting freedom. After spending 25 years in addiction and 6 years on the streets of San Diego, Candace encountered the love of God through the very ministry she now serves. Today she walks alongside men and women still trapped in addiction, helping them access detox, recovery homes, and long-term transformation through compassion, discipleship, and unwavering faith. Connect with We See You San Diego Website: https://www.weseeyousandiego.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weseeyousandiego Donate: https://www.weseeyousandiego.com/giving About Dr. Elona Dr. Elona is the creator of Inspire Smiles, founder of Inspire Changes, and host of Live Inspired. New episodes drop monthly. Inspire Smiles: https://www.inspiresmilessd.com Inspire Changes (nonprofit): https://www.inspiresmilessd.com/inspire-changes Inspired Lives Coaching: https://inspirelivessd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elonagaball/ New episodes drop monthly. Subscribe so you don't miss what's next.