Christy Carlin, of Monett, first told her story of recovery two years ago, on April 28, 2021.

Carlin’s Celebrate Recovery testimony was part of a 12-part series published in the Cassville Democrat, one step of the 12-step program for each month of the year.

At that time, Carlin was seven years sober, and now, she looks ahead to making it to nine years of sobriety – from mess to message.

Carlin strived to be the mom, wife and grandmother she both needed and wanted to be. She first tried meth at the age of 21 after she confided in a neighbor about struggles, and they introduced her to the drug.

“I’m not sure exactly why I thought that this might make my problems better,” Carlin said. “It helped me escape from the reality that I was living. I soon began using meth every weekend, then before I knew it I was using every day of the week.”

She lived in addiction for years, between meth and pain pills, until one day she was charged with possession, and even though she was on probation, she continued to use regularly. Then, after not reporting to probation, a warrant was issued, and she decided to run.

After jail and rehab, Carlin found herself in drug court and Celebrate Recovery.

Today, Carlin says she feels like God delivered her from drug use.

“After I got clean, I never had to fight wanting to go and get high,” she said. “It was more about facing my emotions and staying clean.

“The challenges I still face are staying connected in church and reading my Bible.”

Over the years, challenges change, but for Carlin, she said she needs to stay connected to the Lord to not find herself back where she was.

“In 2021, I got my associate’s degree, and I got a new job that I love,” she said. “It is important to always be growing. Don’t stay where you are — you need to grow and learn from life.”

Carlin said she wouldn’t have anything that she has today without the Lord and sobriety.

“I always go back to God because that is where I found my sobriety,” she said. “I am thankful that I don’t struggle with drug cravings, and I am thankful to the Lord every day. I want to give my relationship with the Lord all the credit.”

Carlin said she had tried rehab and other ways to stop using many times, but it was not until she gave it over to the Lord that she was finally able to get sober.

“My favorite bible verse is Joel 2:25,” she said. “I will restore the years the locust have eaten. God has restored so many things in my life and then some. He has given me more than I ever could have imagined.”

One of those things Carlin received from God is peace.

“I have true peace in the Lord and that was something I didn’t have in addiction,” she said. “My cup sure does runneth over now days.”

Meeting schedule

To add or update any meetings, people may call Mark Barton at 417-766-5449.

Tuesday

• Celebrate Recovery Cassville at the First Baptist Church in the loft. Meal is served at 5:45 p.m. and large group is at 6:30 p.m., childcare is provided nursery to 6th grade. People may contact Mark Barton at 417-766-5449.

Wednesday

• Shell Knob – Celebrate Recovery at the Viola Victory Church at 29604 State Hwy., 39. Meal starts at 5 p.m., meeting starts at 5:45 p.m. Childcare is provided For more information call Jessica at 417-239-9001.

• Seligman Celebrate Recovery at Mozark Fellowship at 28277 Frisco Street in Seligman. Meal is at 6 p.m. and meeting starts at 70 p.m. For more information call Loni at 417-827-2737.

• AA meeting, noon to 1 p.m. at 1308 Harold Street in Cassville.

Thursday

• Monett Celebrate Recovery 6-9 p.m. at the New Site Baptist Church at 1925 Farm Road 1060 in Monett. Meal at 6 p.m. Childcare and nursery up to 5th grade. The Landing for 6th to 12th grade. For more information, people can reach Allan at 417-461-6802.

• AA meeting, 8-9 p.m. at 1308 Harold Street in Cassville.

Friday

• NA meetings from 6-7 p.m. at 303 East 11th Street in Cassville. For more information people can call Sarah at 417-846-7045.

Saturday

• SMART meetings from 10-11 a.m. at 208 West 8th Street in Cassville. Alliance counseling. For more information people may call Loni at 417-827-2737.

Sunday

• NA meetings from 6-7 p.m. at 303 East 11th Street in Cassville. For more information people can call Mike at 417-846-7866.