Over 109,000 U.S. residents died from drug overdoses in 2023, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). California recorded the highest number of overdoses during this period, with over 6,000 deaths, 806 of which occurred in San Francisco.
It may seem like those trapped in addiction have no future. However, as the saying goes, “the road is mastered by walking.” The experience of the NEW LIFE USA Center proves this to be true.
“New Life” is a long-term, 20-month program comprising four stages, during which participants overcome chemical dependency, restore physical health, change harmful habits, begin emotional and moral recovery, adapt to a healthy lifestyle, acquire essential life and professional skills, develop work ethics and leadership abilities, and prepare to reintegrate into society and rebuild broken relationships. This program is offered through free rehabilitation centers located in Missouri and Nevada.
According to Sergey Matevosyan, the founder of the Center, during his 30 years of work with individuals struggling with various addictions, more than 5,000 patients have radically transformed their lives. Many of them have become pastors of churches, founded new ministries, opened rehabilitation centers, and created shelters for homeless children. This vast network has sparked a vital movement: hundreds of new centers modeled after NEW LIFE USA have successfully begun their operations.
“Our primary goal is to save as many people as possible, to establish as many centers as possible, and to involve as many addicts as possible in the rehabilitation process.”
“We are not a monastery where people hide from the outside world.”
After completing the rehabilitation program, some former addicts continue to assist at the Center. “Recently, three young women stayed in the ministry. We are teaching them, and they are becoming very effective,” says Matevosyan. “But these are not people who are afraid to return to society. We are not a monastery where people hide from the outside world. The only ones who remain are those who are internally driven to help others, to serve God, and to serve people.”
Other patients go on to rebuild their lives in society, equipped with the new skills they acquired at the Center. Life at NEW LIFE USA resembles a community where everyone takes personal responsibility for the tasks assigned to them. “If I don’t complete the work entrusted to me, it will affect everyone else. And naturally, there will be some collective feedback on me,” explains the head of NEW LIFE USA. “People will look at me and say, ‘You were assigned to the kitchen to cook for all of us. We worked hard at our stations, and you served us something inedible.'”
Everyone has their own responsibilities—caring for cows or other animals, maintaining the garden, repairing equipment in the garage, plowing, sowing, and so on.
Often, coming from sheltered conditions, an addict goes through a complete course of learning something practical. As a result, they may later be able to repair equipment, grow a garden, and support their family. “We also teach the most important principle: not to fear any challenges that life throws at you,” says Sergey Matevosyan. “Do not fear work, be creative, and propose more constructive solutions. Think critically, instead of moving mechanically and mindlessly.”
It’s also worth noting that most rehabilitants face social problems. They often lack documents, have legal issues, or are familiar with prisons firsthand. NEW LIFE USA assists in addressing these complex problems as well.
The Country of Not-So-Rosy Ponies
It might seem like rehabilitation is easy and carefree—you live as if at a resort, gain a profession, and have various problems solved for you.
In reality, it’s a tough internal struggle for the addict, a challenging job for the Center staff, and involves active participation from parents. According to Sergey Matevosyan, some people find it very difficult to live by the schedule and change their ways. They say it’s better to go back to the tents and live on the streets of Las Vegas or Sacramento. At this stage, the Center staff rely on family understanding and strict adherence to recommendations. Only through joint efforts can these battles be won. Otherwise, even across the narrowest bridge, the patient may run back to their past.
Awaiting Feedback
After rehabilitation, NEW LIFE USA staff are always pleased to hear about their former patients’ achievements, offering advice but not interfering unless the person seeks help. “We track the lives of our people if they stay in touch. But if someone leaves and disappears, naturally, we cannot do anything about it,” says Matevosyan. “Some people leave and vanish from our radar. We don’t even aim to find them. We simply wish them well, but usually, it’s a troubling sign that not everything is okay. After all, people are always willing to share their joys and successes. And we have many such success stories.”
About NEW LIFE USA:
NEW LIFE USA is a non-profit organization that offers a free rehabilitation program for addiction recovery, with a primary focus on drug addiction. The ministry is international, religious, and non-denominational. The mission of “New Life” is to fight addiction, serve those in need, and expand the ministry to give more people the opportunity to start a new life through free rehabilitation centers in Missouri and Nevada.
