ORANGE PARK – A local pastor has an inspiring message for those impacted by addiction.

Springs Church Outreach Pastor Matt Poole was the final speaker at the Overdose Awareness Seminar at the church last week. He told the crowd about his struggles with addiction.

Poole said he had brokenness and a void in his life, drawing him toward using drugs. He said it was fun at first, but then it turned to survival mode.

“It took me down a very dark path,” Poole said of his addiction.

He remembered going to a pill mill and later overdosing near County Road 218. His wife revived him and that pivotal moment provided clarity, he said.

“She, just by the grace of God, was able to get me breathing again,” Poole said. “If I was her, I would have left me there for two more hours and called the fire department to come get me.”

Recovery came through people, places and things. He turned to Christ first, which led him to a community. A mentor told Poole that successful people hang out with other successful people, so if a person wants to be sober, they hang out with sober people. Resources are also available from local emergency services, he added.

“We literally have the Clay County Sheriff’s Office … and (Clay County Fire Rescue) saying, ‘We are here to help you. We want you to get help. We’re here to provide you with the resources.’”

Poole said family members are spokes in the wheel of addiction, also impacted by the person suffering from the addiction. He said boundaries have to be created but wanted people to know a person under the influence can be loved through their sickness.

“If you’re dealing with a loved one, and who knows where they’re at right now, listen, there is hope. Sometimes, tough love is the best love,” Poole said. “Sometimes, you have to love people enough to confront them and challenge them with the truth and to be in their business, to love them enough to say, ‘We can’t do this anymore.’”

Addiction-related resources are at claycountygov.com/community/public-safety/services/od2a.