In this powerful episode of Apostle Talk, host Dave Bigler sits down with Ben Deeb, a quad-certified peer professional (CRPA, CJSR, PSP, CARC) and Center Staff Supervisor at Healing Springs Recovery Community and Outreach Center in Saratoga County, New York. Ben shares his raw, redemptive journey from severe cocaine addiction, repeated arrests (around 15 times), homelessness, and incarceration to becoming a transformative leader in recovery support. He candidly discusses how substance use disorders and mental health challenges affect a vast majority of the incarcerated population, the lack of meaningful rehabilitation or wraparound services in the justice system, and how a divine encounter with God during one of his jail stays ignited lasting change. Ben now supervises peer professionals, spearheaded the development of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, recovery units, and reentry initiatives in the Saratoga County jail, helping justice-impacted individuals find hope, stability, and freedom.The conversation highlights the systemic failures in treating addiction as a moral failing rather than a health issue, the vital role of peer support and faith in recovery, and Ben's ongoing mission to train others and expand programs that bridge jail to community reintegration. This episode is a stirring testimony of God's redemptive power, the importance of compassion over judgment, and practical steps toward breaking cycles of addiction and recidivism. If you're struggling with addiction, supporting someone who is, or passionate about justice reform and recovery advocacy, Ben's story offers encouragement and real-world insight.If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, reach out for help:Healing Springs Recovery Community: (518) 306-3048https://preventioncouncil.org/healing-springs/Shelters of Saratoga:(518) 581-1097https://sheltersofsaratoga.org/Subscribe for more inspiring testimonies of faith, recovery, and transformation. Like, comment, and share to spread hope! 🙏#RecoveryStory #FaithAndRedemption #AddictionRecovery #PeerSupport #SaratogaCounty #HealingSprings #JesusSaves #ApostleTalkOutline: 00:00 Intro & Welcome00:39 Ben's Addiction & Rock Bottom: Cocaine, Homelessness, 15 Arrests01:07 The Broken System: "Bad Person" vs. "Sick Person" Mindset01:17 Turning Point: Conversations with God in Jail01:56 Ben's Bio & Current Role at Healing Springs03:04 Early Life, First Drugs, and Entry into the Justice System08:21 First Jail Time & Walking Away from Faith12:31 Homeless in Schenectady, Felonies, and Opiate Spiral18:31 Release Struggles & Fentanyl Impact27:40 Armed Robbery Arrest & Foxhole Prayer Moment31:10 Steps Toward Change & Peer Support Beginnings35:51 Re-Incarceration & Mindset Shift in Jail44:03 Paid Role in Jail & Building Hope47:21 Developing Recovery Programs & MAT in Saratoga County Jail51:43 Childhood Trauma, God's Love, and Realizing Worth58:11 Creating the Recovery Unit & Reducing Recidivism01:06:06 Advice for Those Struggling: You Deserve to Recover01:10:58 Closing Prayer & Hope for Addicted, Incarcerated, and Families01:15:23 Final Amen & Wrap-UpSupport Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.orgJoin the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD