27 Rehabs Later, Randy Nichols Found Freedom

Brent Moore, Redeemed Living Founder, Board Chair

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

7:00 a.m.

Randy Nichols called us from his 27th rehab, exhausted but determined.

This wasn’t his first rehab. Or his tenth. Or even his twentieth.

This was his 27th.

At 18, fresh out of high school, Randy walked into his first rehab. By 2016, he’d cycled through 26 more, desperate for freedom but unable to outrun his addiction.

After 27 rehabs, Randy Nichols found lasting freedom through faith, family support, and a structured recovery program that filled the gap between treatment and real life.

Then, at Penfield Addiction Ministries, his counselor, Dallas Bennett, told him something that changed everything:

“You know everything about recovery. You just don’t believe in yourself.”

That’s when Randy surrendered.

He realized: God loves me. I am worthy of recovery. But I can’t do this alone.

And that’s when God lined up Redeemed Living.

The Gap That Almost Broke Him

Randy’s first rehab was in 1989, just after high school. He was searching for a way out of his pain, and drugs numbed it—until they didn’t.

Then, in 2016, he landed at Penfield Addiction Ministries for his 27th rehab. That’s where his counselor told him about Redeemed Living.

When Randy arrived at Redeemed, here’s what happened—what makes Redeemed different:

1. Day One, He Was Family “Everybody treated me like family from the start,” Randy says. “They gave me everything I needed—resources, support, a place to belong. The first thought in my mind was, ‘God is providing all this. The only person who can mess this up is me.’”

2. No Waiting to Start Over Randy went from Penfield to Redeemed—and started working the next day. 

   No gaps.

   No time to relapse.

   Just structure, accountability, and purpose.

3. A Brotherhood That Won’t Let You Fail “I’ve been to recovery programs from South Carolina to Georgia,” Randy says. “Nothing compares to Redeemed. If you can’t make it here, you either don’t want it—or you’re not going to make it anywhere.”

From 27 Rehabs to a Restored Family

Randy’s story doesn’t end with sobriety.

It ends with redemption—for him and his son, Jacob.

For years, Randy’s addiction kept him from his son. Divorce. Custody battles. Broken promises.

But at Redeemed, Randy learned how to be a father.

• He watched how I (Brent) loved my family—and modeled it.

• He found stability, a job, and a home.

• And when Jacob’s life started spiraling—failing grades, no direction—Randy and his wife, Andrea, brought him to Valdosta.

Today, Jacob lives with Randy and Andrea. He’s:

• A Beta Club member (academic honor society).

• Dual-enrolled in high school and Valdosta State University.

• Leading Bible studies at Redeemed (yes, Randy’s son teaches our guys).

• Thriving in sports, school, and life.

“Redeemed gave me the opportunity to restore my relationship with my son,” Randy says. “I get to be a dad. And Jacob? He got a bonus mom who loves him just as much as she loves me.”

This Is What Your Gift Makes Possible

Someone like you helped Randy rebuild his life.

Because of your support, men like Randy:

✅ Find freedom from addiction.

✅ Rebuild their families(like Randy and Jacob).

✅ Become leaders in their communities.

This is the power of the Forgotten Step.

It’s not just about sobriety. It’s about restoration.

And it’s only possible because of people like you.

Will You Help Another Man Like Randy?

Right now, there’s another man out there—on his 3rd rehab. Or his 10th. Or his 27th.

He’s standing in the Forgotten Step, terrified of what happens next.

Your gift today ensures no man has to walk it alone.

Donate Now and help us fill the gap.

P.S. Randy’s story proves it: The Forgotten Step is where men find freedom. Your gift today ensures no man has to walk it alone.

Donate here.