Member Spolight - Alissa

Alissa’s battle with addiction began on what was supposed to be a celebratory night—her 21st birthday. The allure of partying led to her first encounter with meth, a decision that would dictate the next two decades of her life. Despite numerous attempts at treatment, including over 20 inpatient and outpatient centers, Alissa found herself entrapped in a cycle of addiction that spiraled into despair. The loss of her children to the system marked one of the lowest points in her life—a moment when she felt she had lost all will to live.

Through her candid reflections, Alissa reveals the myriad of attempts she made to reclaim her life, battling her addiction while grappling with the repercussions of her choices. “I was arrested 18 times, and during drug court, it took me three years to complete a one-year program. I was always missing something,” she recalls.

In 2020, at her mother’s urging, Alissa joined a program called Teen Challenge, which focused on Christian rehabilitation. It was pivotal as she learned the  importance of surrendering her will to God. “Teen Challenge taught me how to lay down my will and change behaviors. It opened my eyes to the fact that my mental illness stemmed from years of wrong thinking,” she explains. Though she initially joined to recover, the fear of relapsing drove her to stay committed to her recovery journey. This led her to learn about ABSOLUTE Ministries in 2022, which boasts a long-term approach to healing.

At ABSOLUTE, Alissa found a nurturing environment that focused on more than just overcoming addiction. Leaning into the semi-structured support, Alissa describes her experience as “piecing together a puzzle.” ABSOLUTE helped her confront her past, making sense of the steps needed to rebuild her life brick by brick. “They really took the wreckage of my history and began helping me piece it back together,” she shares.

She emphasizes how ABSOLUTE focuses on building a sustainable recovery foundation, offering emotional and spiritual guidance and practical support, such as assistance with job searching, getting a driver’s license, and managing financial responsibilities. Through the program, Alissa reclaimed her life and her relationship with her four children. With the help of ABSOLUTE, she learned to bridge the gaps of communication with her family and worked toward earning back their trust— an emotional journey that has yielded profound joy. “To have ABSOLUTE vouch for me in my journey back to my kids...it was a huge deal,” she recalls, reflecting on the impact of supervised visits turning into unsupervised ones. She added, “Thank you to all the supporters of ABSOLUTE, you made this possible!”

Now, Alissa is a graduate and a Campus Associate at ABSOLUTE’s women’s campus in Spanaway. As she is trained, she prepares to start full-time at ABSOLUTE on December 1st, furthering her commitment to helping others facing similar challenges. Community has been integral to Alissa’s healing. She emphasizes the importance of relationships built at ABSOLUTE, stating, “To be plugged into a community has been transformational.” Each connection she’s made has reaffirmed her sense of belonging, something she yearned for during her years of addiction. A guiding scripture throughout her recovery journey has been Isaiah 43: “I have called you by name; you are mine.” This passage serves as a reminder of her identity and strength as she navigates her path forward.

Alissa Moxley’s journey is a testament to the capacity of our comprehensive support and the power of Jesus. Her story not only inspires others battling addiction but also highlights the life-changing work done at ABSOLUTE Ministries. As she continues to give back, Alissa remains committed to spreading hope and emphasizing the importance of good relationships in recovery. “I recommend ABSOLUTE to anyone,” she affirms. “Through surrender, you can find hope and healing.” In sharing her narrative, Alissa becomes a pillar for those still on their path to recovery, showing that redemption and renewal are not just possible but within reach.