Thank you for sharing that Lynn (if I may call you that?); it freshens my heart to know of others here who have shared similar experiences.
The addiction recovery program I was in was in-house for a year, and it took me 2 yrs. I graduated, got back on my feet, then relapsed a year later and did the program again. This was the kind of program for those for whom AA/NA, and other programs did nothing. It was referred to on the street as "bible boot camp." The classes were mostly straight out of the bible 6 hrs a day, 5 days/wk, and then we worked together another 4-6 hrs. We all had accountability partners and mentors. Church was mandatory twice a week, as well as chapel every night.
We also had a cabin-in-the-woods retreat, for a week at the end. Fond memories there, as well as sadness. A few didn't make it that far. 1 guy died from drinking rubbing alcohol, another, a good friend, OD-ed from heroin right after we got back from the retreat. Another got shot dealing crack.
I recall 1 fella, Tom, biker, atheist, racist, felon, lots of hate, an exception was made and he was let in the program because he said he was "curious about this Jesus thing." Said his addiction was hate. 3 months later he got up in front of everyone and professed Jesus as his Lord and Savior. I was his supervisor, and I witnessed some of the changes God made in him. Miraculous to be sure!
I still keep in touch with many who graduated; we do a Superbowl party every year, and until a year ago (moved) I taught a few classes there, anger management and bible classes and such, and did some counseling, bottom line is we try to stay connected, for support and growth. A support structure is extremely important.
There are other friends I lost touch with whom I found out died from drugs or alcohol, and I can only hope they were saved.
The Pastor who ran the program was an Associate Pastor at the church we attended, so that church was attuned to our special needs (and gifts!). But not all churches are, nor are they spiritually mature and equipped enough to deal with it, and though they don't outright turn folks like me away, they do whisper behind our backs and make subtle hints for us to please move on to another church.
I've had several churches do this here where I've moved to, as I continue to seek out a church to become a member of, and I hear it from some places of worship where my band plays, places that, upon hearing the felonious testimonies of 2 of my bandmates, become obviously nervous. Two have asked us to not return, giving us some wishy-washy excuse that our "message" was too disturbing but couldn't give us a for-example.
I'm sorry you lost touch with your friends, Lynn, but at the same time I'm glad you posted what you did, because it reminds me I'm due to make a few phone calls.