This book is the testimony of my husband’s freedom from twenty years of substance abuse addiction in one day. It is unique in that it is not just a testimony, nor is it just a guide instructing people struggling with addiction on what they should do to see freedom. Instead, it is a mesh of our story interwoven with reflections and reflection questions throughout the book. It is designed to tell our story and prompt readers to draw their own conclusions through self-reflection without simply telling them what to do.

Halfway through the book, addiction is named “The Lion,” with references to Daniel in the den of lions, and the reader begins to see addiction as the enemy sent from Satan, allowing them to separate themselves from their identity as an addict. The remainder of the book continually references addiction as “The Lion.” Each chapter is titled from an excerpt of a biblical scripture immediately following it.

The goal in writing the book is for those struggling with substance abuse to be able to come to freedom by: Discovering where their true identity lies, determining who the enemy is, surrendering to Christ, removing shame and guilt, tearing down the hardened walls around their hearts, cutting off any bitter roots, casting off unforgiveness, stepping into their new identities, and silencing the lies of the enemy: The Lion.