New LDS “12 Steps to Change” Videos Provide Understanding, Hope for Addiction Recovery
Contributed By Rachel Sterzer, Church News staff writer
In the step 9 video, John seeks restitution and reconciliation with his family after losing them due to his drug addiction. Watch and share the trailer to the 12 Steps to Change video series at mormonchannel.org/12steps.
Article Highlights
- Each video reflects the real emotional struggles and addictive behaviors of individuals battling various addictions.
- The videos foster understanding and inspire hope for anyone affected by addiction.
“These people were able to change because they turned their [lives] over to the Savior.” —Todd Daley, Mormon Channel director
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In conjunction with National Addiction Recovery Month in September, the Church is releasing 12 videos highlighting each of the 12 steps of the Addiction Recovery Program. The videos feature 12 different individuals sharing their personal battles and victories with addiction and, more importantly, with recovery.
Scenes from the videos can be “intense,” said Todd Daley, director of the Mormon Channel, which will debut the videos starting on September 1. Each video reflects the real emotional struggles and addictive behaviors of individuals battling various addictions including drugs, alcohol, food, sex, and pornography.
Jessica, for example, featured in the video for step 5, described her struggle with food addiction by saying, “I had given up. I was just waiting for my time to die.”
Sharon, who shared her experiences involving step 3, said her addiction to crystal meth led her to ask every day, “Am I going to live or die today?”
Preston, who recounts his heroin addiction in the video for step 2, said, “It got to the point where I felt I needed to use as much as I needed to breathe.”
Although each video depicts the honest challenges and fallout from these individuals’ struggles with addiction, Brother Daley said the overall theme of the series is found in its title—12 Steps to Change.
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“These stories illustrate that people can change and they can overcome [addiction],” he said. “These people were able to change because they turned their [lives] over to the Savior.”
In the step 2 video, Preston finds hope in response to a prayer after starting the 12-step Addiction Recovery Program. New videos highlight the 12 steps of the Addiction Recovery Program in conjunction with National Addiction Recovery Month in September.
In the step 10 video, Adrienne discusses her cocaine addiction and her continued effort to be honest with herself and stay accountable for her actions every day. New videos highlight the 12 steps of the Addiction Recovery Program in conjunction with National Addiction Recovery Month in September.
In the step 8 video, Larry accepts and receives forgiveness from his father after 13 years of estrangement as part of his healing in implementing the steps of the Addiction Recovery Program.
Sharon, in overcoming her addiction, said she learned “the Creator can provide a new life for you, a new heart for you.”
In the step 4 video, Austin describes his experience hiding out from drug dealers and dealing with alcohol addiction. Now in recovery, he said, “Every time I think it can’t get any better, it does. It keeps getting better.”
Lindsay, who related her story of grappling with a heroin addiction, said, “I get to tuck my kids into bed and tell them I love them and that I’ll be there in the morning. And that is a gift of recovery and from working these steps.”
Besides being inspiring, the videos are educational, Brother Daley said. “Unless you've gone through the program or know someone who has, you may not know what addiction is and how difficult it can be.”
And once people are informed, they can help steer individuals struggling with addiction to resources for help, such as the Addiction Recovery Program website, addictionrecovery.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, which is an addendum to each of the videos. There individuals can find detailed information about each step in the program as well as where to find a local support group meeting.
The Addiction Recovery Program website, addictionrecovery.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, is an addendum to each of the videos. There individuals can find detailed information about each step in the program as well as where to find a local support group meeting.
Part of the promotion of the videos includes the invitation to watch, listen, and share the videos as well as “join the conversation” on social media using #12StepsToChange.
“Asking people to join the conversation via social media will help bring more awareness and support of addiction recovery and possibly reach more people who need help,” said Brother Daley.
Starting September 1, Mormon Channel will highlight one video each day for the first 12 days of September on its website mormonchannel.org/12steps. Although emphasis will be placed on one video each day, the complete playlist will be available on Mormon Channel’s YouTube channel.
Screenshot of the Mormon Channel home page, which will debut videos about 12 individuals showcasing the 12 steps of the Addiction Recovery Program of the Church.
