Cocaine Addict & Convicted Felon to Peer Recovery Advocate & Coach: Ben Deeb's Story | An Apostle Talk Interview

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: [phone]

https://preventioncouncil.org/healing-springs/

Shelters of Saratoga:[phone]

https://sheltersofsaratoga.org/Subscribe for more inspiring testimonies of faith, recovery, and transformation. Like, comment, and share to spread hope!

00:00 Intro & Welcome

00:39 Ben's Addiction & Rock Bottom: Cocaine, Homelessness, 15 Arrests

01:07 The Broken System: "Bad Person" vs. "Sick Person" Mindset

01:17 Turning Point: Conversations with God in Jail

01:56 Ben's Bio & Current Role at Healing Springs

03:04 Early Life, First Drugs, and Entry into the Justice System

08:21 First Jail Time & Walking Away from Faith1

2:31 Homeless in Schenectady, Felonies, and Opiate Spiral1

8:31 Release Struggles & Fentanyl Impact

27:40 Armed Robbery Arrest & Foxhole Prayer Moment

31:10 Steps Toward Change & Peer Support Beginnings

35:51 Re-Incarceration & Mindset Shift in Jail

44:03 Paid Role in Jail & Building Hope

47:21 Developing Recovery Programs & MAT in Saratoga County Jail

51:43 Childhood Trauma, God's Love, and Realizing Worth

58:11 Creating the Recovery Unit & Reducing Recidivism0

1:06:06 Advice for Those Struggling: You Deserve to Recover

01:10:58 Closing Prayer & Hope for Addicted, Incarcerated, and Families01:15:23 Final Amen & Wrap-Up

Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: [e-mail] the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD