Don't Take the First One!: A Memoir of Stephen Scott's Struggles and Success over Addictions

By Tammy Lawrence

Did you know that on the road of life, U-turns are permissible? It does not matter how long you've been on the wrong road; you can change direction and change your world in the process.

Most people think that they can't change their path. In this memoir about Stephen Scott and how he conquered his addiction to alcohol and drugs, you will l

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Aug 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685564810

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Don’t Take the First One

A Memoir of Stephen Scott’s Struggles and Success over Addiction

By Tammy Lawrence

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive

Tustin, CA 92780

Copyright © 2022 Tammy Lawrence

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Cambridge Edition: 1769.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

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Trilogy Christian Publishing/ TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Manufactured in the United States of America

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN 987-1-68556-480-3

ISBN 978-1-68556-481-0 (ebook)

Dedication

There are so many people I could dedicate my first published work to; however, five people distinctly stick out in my mind.

First, to my three children, Aaron, Amber, and Autumn. They have patiently watched me write manuscript after manuscript to no avail. They have always cheered me on and are my biggest supporters.

Next, to the greatest friend anyone could have: Barbara Johnson. Years ago, as I walked into her house, she jokingly introduced me to another friend with these words, This is my friend, Tammy. She’s a published author. She, like my children, has always had the upmost confidence in me. I am so blessed to have family and friends who think that I have the ability tell an interesting story.

Finally, to Mr. Steve. Thank you for allowing me to tell your story.

I know that Mr. Steve, as we fondly call him at work, wanted to dedicate the book to his good friend, Jace Copeland, who spoke five words that would be the catalyst for Mr. Steve’s change: Don’t Take the First One.

Along with that, he wanted to acknowledge the addicts and alcoholics who may have an opportunity to read the book. His desire was to help someone turn their life around.

I’ve heard it said that one man’s testimony is another man’s prophecy. This is Mr. Steve’s testimony. So, see his success as the prediction of your own success, and be blessed!

Life has been good to me.

Unfortunately, I haven’t always been good to myself.

When I was growing up, the old folks had a saying, God has been better to me than I’ve been to myself. As I reflect on the disastrous path I took throughout the years, I can say that I now truly understand what that statement means.

From the time I was a teenage boy well into adulthood, I was a hopeless alcoholic and drug addict. Like most who struggle with those two demons, I vehemently denied any problems with them and thought that I was totally in control.

Addiction tried to steal my life! Then a friend spoke five words that changed me and ultimately, my life. Soon after, I started changing into the man I was meant to be, a man of integrity and character.

I believe we all have that person inside of us, but our addictions overshadow the real us. Now that I have overcome the addictions, I realize that what I thought was control were excuses for my behavior and reasons to keep doing what I was doing.

If my story can deter just one person from getting caught up in the deception of drugs and alcohol, then telling it has been worth it.

The Journey Begins

I had my first drink when I was fifteen years old.

It was a single choice that started a very long, destructive journey. During my sophomore year of high school, I went to a friend’s house to hang out. We got into his parents’ liquor cabinet and drank some vodka. Then, we added water to the bottle to make it look as if we hadn’t