Articles & Resources

In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, host Amy LaRue sits down with Officer Mark Woodward from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. Mark shares his expertise on the latest drug trends and gives insight into the work he does to combat substance use in our communities.

But this conversation goes beyond the statistics of drug use. Mark opens up about what personally brought him to Finding Hope and why he is passionate about supporting families affected by addiction.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to better understand the truth about drug trends and the steps you can take now if your loved one is struggling with substances.

You are NOT alone. It's NOT your fault. There is HOPE!

For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Thriving the Holidays: Practical Hope for Families of Addicts

Holidays can be very triggering and difficult when we love someone in addiction. The season brings a mix of feelings and stress, and we can often lose the joy and excitement the holidays should bring. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Amy LaRue of Finding Hope lays out practical, scriptural ways not just to survive the holidays but THRIVE in this five-day Bible reading plan.

Start the plan here: Thriving the Holidays: Practical Hope for Families of Addicts

HIA’s School Support Team Delivers Two Weeks of Impact

Over the past two weeks, the Hope is Alive School Support Team has poured into campuses across Oklahoma with a focused mission: to educate, inspire, and activate school communities to stop the cycle of addiction and cultivate hope-filled futures.

By equipping young people with practical, science-backed, faith-informed tools for mental and emotional resilience, they are doing just that. Through assemblies, classroom sessions, small-group conversations, and even lunch-hour hangouts, our team is creating spaces for honest dialogue that teach students how to better understand themselves, their emotions, and their worth.

And according to the feedback we received, this season of school outreach has been one of our most impactful yet!

Casady Christian School: Helping Students Understand Themselves

Our two-day visit to Casady Christian School gave us the chance to speak to grades 5th–12th in settings tailored specifically for each age group. 

With the younger students, we leaned into conversations about coping skills, peer pressure, leadership, and the day-to-day challenges that shape their emotional world. 

With the high schoolers, we transitioned into a deeper dive into the neuroscience of substance use. Students learned how the developing brain interacts with substances, why genetics matter, and how early decision-making can shape long-term health. The goal was to demystify the science, helping students understand the “why” behind prevention and healthy choices.

Bishop McGuinness: The Reality of Social Media and Stress

At Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, we took a deep dive into a topic that affects nearly every student every day: social media. 

We explored what actually happens in the brain when students spend time online, how digital habits shape emotions, and why unhealthy coping patterns form so quickly. To back everything up, we reviewed up-to-date data about teen social media patterns and offered insight about how to create a healthier relationship with digital spaces.

Mount St. Mary’s: From the Auditorium to the Lunch Table

Next, we brought these important conversations to Mount St. Mary’s, where we hosted both an assembly and a lunch hangout. Over pizza, students opened up about the lies we tell ourselves and learned how to replace those lies with truths that build confidence and self-worth. 

Trinity at Edgemere: Building Calm and Confidence

At Trinity at Edgemere, we continued our mission of equipping students with practical tools by leading a session on coping strategies and resilience. Students participated in guided imagery exercises and learned the “name it to tame it” technique — an approachable way to help calm the parasympathetic nervous system and manage stress effectively. 

These strategies gave students tangible ways to recognize what they feel, regulate their emotions, and approach challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

One of the key takeaways was that stress is real, and everyone (even Jesus) experiences stress. Unhealthy ways of dealing with stress can lead down dark paths, but there are healthy ways to deal with stress. 

Powerful Testimonies From HIA Alumni

We were especially honored to have guest speakers Devin Scarbrough and Trevor Mathis, HIA Alumni, share at chapels and assemblies last week. Their powerful messages about enduring trials, recognizing value, and understanding self-worth deeply resonated with students across all campuses.

Notably, students and staff resonated with Trevor’s emphasis that our value, worth, meaning, and purpose come from Christ, and that no other source can provide a truly sustainable foundation for them.

Watch part of one of Devin’s talks below!

School Support Team Praise

“They were very professional! The speaker was very genuine, and you could tell her goal was to hopefully HELP someone else with what she knows as TRUTH!!!!” —Rejoice Christian School

“They connected with the students, explained things on the students' level, and made it relevant to them.” —Edmond Memorial High School.

“They provided meaningful content and had a very hospitable, welcoming spirit.” —Mount St. Mary Catholic High School

“I am so thankful this ministry exists in my community.” —Rejoice Christian School

Thriving the Holidays: Setting Boundaries

Even on special days like Thanksgiving or Christmas,  we must continue to have firm and intact boundaries with our loved ones. Do not loosen them for even just one day.

Boundaries are to protect yourself, to bring peace back to your life, and to allow your needs to become a priority for your life. Just like how you communicate your expectations, remember to also communicate your boundaries with others prior to the holidays. There is no need to defend, debate, or explain your feelings. If you are faced with resistance, simply repeat your boundary.

If we want our boundaries respected, we must also remember to respect the boundaries of others. Our loved ones in addiction recovery may have boundaries to protect their sobriety, and it is not our job to question their boundaries. Other family members may have boundaries about not wanting to be around their loved one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol (whether sober or not). Once again, we should honor their boundaries and not debate it with them.

This year, the holidays may look and feel different. And that’s okay! Accepting this can help us let go of certain traditions and view it as an opportunity to begin new ones. What is one new tradition you can begin this year?

This week, think about what boundaries you have in place for the holidays. What happens if those boundaries are crossed? Have you communicated your boundaries and the consequences of crossing them?

Here are a few tips from those in recovery for families to know as they approach the holidays being clean and sober (whether a few months, a year, or more):

• Communicate with your loved one. Ask them about their boundaries and possible triggers. “What are ways I can help you make sure you feel safe and confident in your recovery?”
• Respect their boundaries, even if you don’t understand them. They have them for a reason. Don’t argue with or question them about it.

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

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With hope,

Amy LaRue, Director of Family Support Groups

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Thriving the Holidays: Setting Expectations

Have you heard the phrase: Unrealistic expectations lead to realistic disappointments.

‍What does that mean to you?

‍Unrealistic expectations can rob us of enjoying and appreciating the blessings in front of us. We need to remember that, no matter how much we plan, plead, and beg, our family may not change just because the holidays are here. This year's holiday season may look and feel different than those in the past; we have to accept that and still find joy during the season.

As we approach the holidays, think about your expectations. Write them out and then go back and reread them to determine if they are realistic or not. If they are realistic, what is your plan to communicate them to your family? If they are unrealistic, what do you need to do to change it? Reach out to another Finding Hope member to talk through your expectations for the upcoming holidays.

Here are a few tips from those in recovery for families to know as they approach the holidays being clean and sober:

• Love them where they are. Encourage and praise them for their accomplishments.
• Don’t bring up the past, and don’t ask a lot of questions about the future. They are taught to focus on one day at a time.  

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV

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With hope,

Amy LaRue, Director of Family Support Groups

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Thriving the Holidays: Practical Advice for Loved Ones of Addicts

As we approach the holiday season, I know many of you are anxious, nervous, fearful, and just want the holidays to pass by quickly. You may be thinking… What’s going to happen this year? Can we just cancel it? Will my loved one cause a scene again?

The holidays can be especially triggering and difficult when someone we love is struggling with addiction. The season brings a mix of emotions and stress, and we often lose the joy and excitement that the holidays are meant to bring. To help stay grounded, I want you to journal about any feelings or anxious thoughts you have about the upcoming holidays.

• How are you feeling? 
• What are you worried about? 
• What are you excited about? 
• What do you need this holiday season? 
• How might this year look different?

Finally, begin to pray and invite God into your holiday season. Ask Him for peace that steadies your heart, comfort that quiets your fears, and direction for each day ahead. Remember, He has already gone before you. He knows what you’ll face, and He will give you the strength and grace you need to walk through it. Take refuge in Him, and allow His presence to bring you rest.

Please know that this year may look different than the past, and it will be okay.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV

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With hope,

Amy LaRue, Director of Family Support Groups

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

One More Day for One of Many: Kristen’s Story

Kristen was the kind of granddaughter every family dreams of: sweet, loving, and full of light. But addiction changed her almost overnight. 

“It was the loneliest place, the most isolated place I've ever felt in my life. I did not feel like there was much hope in me ever getting clean,” shared Kristen. 

Then, at her lowest, she found Hope is Alive.

What began as a last-chance step became the start of a brand-new life. Kristen found community, accountability, and a path forward. She fought for her sobriety, for her daughter, and for the life she once thought she’d lost forever.

And she came out the other side.

Today, she’s more than three years sober, and her transformation has had a profound impact on her entire family.

‍Watch the video below to hear Kristen share her journey in her own words — and listen as her grandfather reveals the heartbreak and hope their family walked through together.

It’s Not Your Fault: A Message to Parents of Addicted Loved Ones

Where did I go wrong? Was I blind? How did I not catch this? How could this happen under my roof, under my watch? Am I the worst parent in the world? Did I not do enough to prepare him for temptation? Did I not pray enough? Was I too strict, or not strict enough? Did I not check his/her friends or activities closely enough?

If you are the parent of an addict, you probably know these thoughts well. You’ve probably asked yourself these same questions over and over again. The guilt, the doubt, the constant wondering how it all happened — it can take you down a painful path of self-destruction.

But before you go any further down that road, hear this: You did not cause their addiction.

Addiction doesn’t care about anyone’s family history or upbringing. It doesn’t care how much someone was loved, what kind of home they grew up in, or how strong their faith was. It doesn’t care about income, race, or background. Addiction is no respecter of persons — it will go after anyone and everyone.

So stop looking back, trying to pinpoint the exact moment things went wrong. Stop replaying all the “what ifs.” The truth is simple: It’s not your fault. 

And while it may not feel like it right now, your love still matters — more than you could ever imagine. Below are a few quotes from those in recovery today. They all have one thing in common: a love and gratitude for their mother.

“I wish my mom knew that I never stopped thinking about her and always loved her.”

“I wish my mom had known that I was doing what I thought was keeping her and my family safe from me. And that I always loved her even if it seemed like I didn't.” 

“I wish my mom knew that her love was what kept me alive.”

“For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” Galatians 6:5

For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Recovery for Loved Ones of Addicts

“I’m not the one drinking or ruining our family. Why do I need recovery?” ‍

That was my first reaction when I discovered my husband’s addiction. The idea of sacrificing my time and searching for childcare felt unfair and overwhelming. Over time, it took its toll on me and I realized that I needed help. I realized that recovery isn’t just for those who struggle with substances. Recovery is for the family of the addict, too.

Recovery means a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength. Throughout the time of my husband’s active addiction, and even as he began to seek recovery, my state of health had deteriorated, and I needed to do something to change it. Did you catch that? I NEEDED TO DO SOMETHING — whether my husband was sober or not, or regardless of how he was doing in his recovery, I had to choose to work on myself and seek my own recovery and healing. I had to stop saying “no” to myself and start saying “yes.” I had to make changes.

My recovery started the moment I picked up the phone and scheduled my first counseling appointment. After just one appointment, I recognized my need for community with others. So, I stepped into my first Finding Hope meeting in the summer of 2015. That’s when I started to learn about codependency, enabling, boundaries, and what true self-care looked like. I began to work on myself and the journey of returning to a normal state of health, mind, and strength in July of 2015, and that journey continues today. 

What is holding you back from your own recovery? What excuses are you giving yourself? Are you ready to return to a normal state of health, mind, and strength? You can start today — or maybe you can restart today. Recovery helps us regain balance, happiness, and strength while giving our loved ones the space to take responsibility for their own journey. Remember to give yourself grace and forgiveness through this process. You can do it.

"Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” Jeremiah 33:6

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With hope,

Amy LaRue, Director of Finding Hope

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For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Living Thankful, Living Sober

What if gratitude could change the way you see your whole life? It’s easy to focus on what’s missing. But if you slow down and reflect on what God has given you, you’ll find there are countless things to be thankful for. This five-day devotional will help you pause, look back on God’s faithfulness, and discover the joy of giving thanks in every season.

Start the plan here: Living Thankful, Living Sober

Held Hostage by a Loved One’s Addiction

“Because of Finding Hope, I have learned I can’t be held hostage anymore because of my loved one’s addiction.” —Finding Hope Member

Merriam-Webster defines a hostage as someone involuntarily controlled by an outside influence. Other words for hostage include bondage, prisoner, and captive.

You might think it’s strong to say you’re a hostage to your loved one’s addiction, but ask yourself: Are you letting their addiction control you?

Take a moment to reflect on how addiction has impacted your life:

• Have you ever changed your plans and dropped everything when your loved one called?
• Have you ever come home from a trip early because your loved one needed you? 
• Have you ever answered the phone in the middle of the night? 
• Have you ever just waited at home and canceled your day because your loved one said they were coming home, and then they never showed up? 
• Have you ever believed your loved ones lies, even though you knew better? 
• Have you ever been stuck in the cycle of trying to figure out how to fix them… and tried to fix them?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have been held hostage by your loved one’s addiction. If you feel lost and this is all you can think about, you are a hostage. But you do NOT have to stay there. You have the power to say “YES” to yourself and “NO” to others. When you sense you’re being taken hostage again, ask the Lord for strength to push through, reach out to a Finding Hope Member, join a meeting, listen to the Finding Hope podcast, read the Finding Hope book, or start a Finding Hope Bible plan. Whatever you do, do NOT become the victim of another hostage situation.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, host Amy LaRue sits down with Darcie Stephens to unpack the Serenity Prayer — discovering what’s in our control, what’s not, and how to surrender it all to God.

1. Serenity to accept what we can’t change
2. Courage to change what we can
3. Wisdom to know the difference

Whether you’re loving someone struggling with addiction or simply navigating life’s chaos, this episode offers peace, courage, and clarity.

You are NOT alone. It's NOT your fault. There is HOPE!

For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today