Cody was in jail for five months searching for a short-term rehabilitation facility that would accept him.
They all fell through.
Adult & Teen Challenge Ohio Valley though accepted Cody about a year ago. His addiction started when he was 12 and he used many substances throughout the years. Methamphetamine was the worst.
“I wanted help,” Cody, 27, and a Bucyrus, Ohio, native said. “I was tired of being in my addiction and not being able to fight for my kids. My real reason was to come and fight for my kids.” He has five children, ages 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Cody initially expected to stay at ATCOV for the program’s first or second phase and then transfer to a sober living program. A judge though, made him complete the year. Cody will graduate October 14th from ATCOV’s year-long recovery program.
“I knew deep down it was what I needed,” he said. “I just agreed with God and was at peace.”
Cody knows now that he needed the full year. He’s applying to some sober living facilities and relying on God to open the right door for him after graduation. He hopes to go to school for automobile maintenance and get involved with church and serve the community.
Cody marvels at the transformation God has worked in his life. God moved him from a place where he was in addiction, hurting his loved ones and choosing drugs over his children to being clean, wanting to be a father and to do God’s will to help others.
Two of his children have been adopted and two more will be soon. But Cody remains at peace, trusting God through the process.
“I know that he wants to do more and abundantly for me and sometimes it requires letting go,” he said. “To be a disciple you have to let go of the things you were holding on to and just go with the Lord so that’s how I’m looking at it.”
He gets to see his one daughter though, the youngest.
“I’m just looking forward to being a father to her and doing what I can for the others, mainly just pouring into her.”
His other family members who had distanced themselves because of his addiction are all now proud of him and his progress.
“I always had a relationship with God when I was in jail,” Cody said. “But as soon as I got out I was right back to seeking myself.”
It’s different now.
“I have a great relationship with the Lord,” he said. “I seek after Him. I just want Him going before me and fighting for me and the only way He’s going to fight for me is if I’m seeking Him, listening to Him and drawing closer to Him.”
He credits ATCOV for that connection.
“I get to praise and worship Him. I get to pray. I speak to Him constantly, all day long,” Cody said. “He’s always on my mind and I’m always giving thanks to Him and praying for others. It’s amazing. I never realized this is what true Christianity is, being with the Lord, what this really was like.”