Michael’s story is one of grace meeting brokenness through the quiet, steady work of recovery at Hesketh King Treatment Centre. As he walked through the programme, he began to face the weight of his past while discovering that healing is not only possible but already taking shape in God’s care. He shares his journey with us as a reminder that even in the darkest places, God is not finished with us.
My name is Michael Wilson, and I am 34 and a recovering addict. My goal in life was to become a professional rugby player, but life had become difficult and unbearable.
WHEN DID I START USING SUBSTANCES AND WHAT WAS I ADDICTED TO?
At the age of 16, I was introduced to dagga. This substance took such a hold on my life that I started trying to take anything just to numb my pain and the emptiness I had inside of me, and to try to fill the void. But dagga was the one thing I got hooked on. It took complete control of my life.
Also, growing up with a single mother going through abuse from all types of men that my mother brought into the house when I was young made me a very angry child. I never knew my father until I found him on 16 November 2025. I was able to meet him once and then, one month later, he passed away. At the age of 18, I had my first sip of alcohol.
I then came to find I was becoming an alcoholic. I did not want to accept this, so I just kept on doing my own thing. I didn’t care who I hurt in the process. After the loss of my father, my entire life became completely uncontrollable, and I was going down a path of complete destruction.
I have a family, and my girlfriend told me that I needed help; if not, I would lose everything that meant something to me. So I decided then and there something had to change or I was going to kill myself.
WHEN DID I GIVE MY LIFE TO GOD?
In the 5th week of being at Hesketh King Treatment Centre, during a class we were discussing blood sacrifices, I experienced a deep sense of conviction. I went to speak with my pastor about what I was feeling.
In that moment, I made a decision to let go of something I had held onto for many years. It was a defining moment for me. I felt as though something shifted inside of me—like a veil had been lifted—and I felt completely new.
I knew Jesus was with me. It felt like God was speaking into my situation, reminding me that my past was behind me and that it was time to become a new creation. As I reflected on this, I knew I was not the same person anymore—I am a child of God.
HOW DID I END UP AT HESKETH KING TREATMENT CENTRE?
How I ended up here was through a therapist I was seeing prior to coming here, and after losing my father in such a short time, I didn’t feel like living anymore and was full of anger and hate.
HOW DID THE PROGRAMME HELP ME?
The day I stepped into HKTC, I was a broken 34-year-old. I had lost all faith and was completely torn apart, but by the grace of God, He put people on my path who could guide me and help me through my journey of self-discovery.
The amazing support from the staff and learning more about God our Father helped me to understand who I was and who I want to become, and that there is life after addiction.
Transformation started when I began believing and having faith in God, and I could see how He started changing small things in my life. After nearly losing my family and kids, He brought us back together through faith and by always believing that my Heavenly Father is watching over me.
HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN SOBER?
I have been sober since 10 March 2026, and I will never look back because the joy and happiness, and seeing how proud my family is of me, makes me determined to be the best version not just for myself but for the Lord and my kids.
HOW AND WHEN DID I REALIZE I NEEDED HELP?
When I realized I needed help was when my girlfriend told me that I would lose everything, including her and my three beautiful boys, ages 1, 5, and 10. My family means the world to me, and I could not afford to lose them, and I definitely didn’t want to become my father.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Put God first in everything in life. Make amends with those who have wronged you, practise forgiveness, and know there is a great life after addiction—one day, one step at a time!