Prescription for Addiction: An Awakening in America through the Eradication of Addiction

By Dakota Andekin

With no degrees of separation in the power and relevance of addiction, this book will capture the attention of America. If one frail, broken man can triumph in addiction, there is hope for all. In this book, you will be awakened with the reality of the devastation of drug-abuse statistics in America. In 1971 President Nixon stated, “America’s public enemy number 1 is drug abuse.” This issue has only increased since then. The author shares a personal story of triumph in detail of how he went from a homeless drug addict to a life of purpose and success.

Throughout the mid and closing sections of this book, one will discover a timeless set of principles and thought constructs that will help any addict or family thereof. An entire chapter of this book focuses on the societal mischaracterization of addiction being a disease. Addiction is not a disease; it is idolatry. This book will look at addiction through the lens of a biblical worldview and will provide hope and healing to countless lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885402361

Book preview

cover.jpg

Prescription for Addiction

An Awakening in America through the Eradication of Addiction

Dakota Andekin

Copyright © 2022 by Dakota Andekin

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Devastation in the Statistics

My Personal Valley

Idolatry, Not Disease

Serving God Greater than the Substance

Letting Go of a Victim Mindset

Revolving Doors

Revelations of Purpose

No Substitute for Hard Work

The Art of Hearing God’s Voice

Tough Love

This book is dedicated to every addict. I know your struggle. I’ve been there! It is time to have the chains of addiction loosen from you forever. I hope from this book you find freedom and healing in your life. Let’s journey together in this book and see new life spring forth at every turn of the page.

Foreword

Prescription for Addiction is a roadmap to a healing journey in Christ. While this book’s focus is on the journey out of drug addiction, it is not a book on healing from drug addiction. It is a book on the way of healing through experiencing Jesus Christ, His mercy, and His overwhelming love. Pastor Dakota Andekin writes in a way that gives the church a user-friendly manual on healing the soul.

Pastor Dakota writes in detail about the global drug epidemic in a way that reveals the spiritual war against the generations of people who are made in the likeness and image of God. Prescription for Addiction outlines a holistic approach to becoming free and to be healed by offering the reader a comprehensive process that works in every cultural context. It is rare to find such revelatory and well-rounded approaches to healing and spiritual formation, but Pastor Dakota delivers a win to the church. It shows us all that faith is the great equalizer and that God will work through anyone who will lean into His love and obey the call.

Prescription for Addiction keys in on every facet of the love of God from grace and mercy to love that takes one’s own responsibility to the love that is experienced in Christ. Pastor Dakota’s revelation of the ways of God’s love is truly inspiring. I pray that Prescription for Addiction is the beginning of a blessed journey for every reader.

—Dr. Rob Covell

Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Wagner University

Acknowledgment

Every accomplishment and ministry work in my life have been supported in prayer and partnership, and this book has certainly reflected that. I am blessed to have so many amazing people in my life that serve as an encouragement to the vision and ministry the Lord has called me to. I would like to take the time to acknowledge some of those very important people.

To my lovely wife, Monica Andekin, your love for me keeps me going. You share your heart with me in such a big way, and I will never take that or you for common. You have supported me and countless wild adventures and crazy faith moments. You haven’t given up on me in the hard times, and you always have the heart to trust God through me. You will forever be mi amor.

To my mother, Sandra Hobby, the faith you have kept through the years of hardship our family has endured has been instilled in me. Your constant advice and encouragement to me throughout my life has been pray first, do second. You have supported me in Ridgecrest Vineyard and refuge-planting journey. You give your love and time to me without reservation or recompense. I love you so much, Mom, and I thank you for the values and faith you have taught me.

To Apostle Sherman Dumas, you, sir, have taught me a way of worship and ministry unique to the world. Our journey has not been without perseverance, but I am thankful for your leadership and being a spiritual father. In my life, my earthly father was absent and consumed with tribulation. You have exemplified both near and far what a father looks like. From being welcomed into your home, trusted as a part of your leadership, and having you pour into the church I pastor; you have always given your best. You are a pioneer and a world changer; thank you for always going for God. Dr. Jaquet Dumas, you have made so many contributions to my understanding and maturity as a church leader, and I thank you for that!

To Pastor Jerry Gamboa, our executive pastor at RVC, you have been a great friend and man to lead alongside. Your integrity, work ethic, friendship, fatherhood are an example for the world to follow. Our relationship has been one I cherish. You are built different, sir. Our church is blessed to have such a faithful and committed leader.

To RVC pastors and leaders, there is no way our church and ministry would be without you. Your countless hours of support and dedication to the good work we have been called to is greatly appreciated. I learn so much from each of you. Scott, Bob, Valedia, Russell, Doretha, Marybel, Manny, Ashley, James, Darin, and so many others—you are seriously the best team, you’re God’s team, and I am blessed to journey with all of you.

To Herschel Rosser, thank you for your mentorship and contributions of editing in this project. I appreciate the time you made to meet with me; your care and friendship have been such a blessing in my ministry. I value spending time with you, and I always leave feeling refreshed and focused. You encouraged me to step out and start writing this book, and thank you for that nudge.

To Ridgecrest Vineyard Church and The Refuge, thank you for your affection toward Monica and me. Your support of this great work we are a part of makes it all worth it. To every person who has made RVC their home, thank you!

Dr. Rob Covell I thank you for being a friend, for taking the time to get to know me and our church. You have consistently made yourself available to us and we are grateful! You and Pastor Carolyn model such genuine hearts and authentic powerful faith and the grace of leadership on you both is admirable.

Chapter 1

Devastation in the Statistics

America’s public enemy number 1 is drug abuse.

—President Nixon, 1971

The substantial issue of drug abuse in our nation has been unprecedented for decades. Yet we have not, to this point, been