Gospel singer Joseph Habedank has made a major comeback after overcoming prescription drug addiction. Just a few years after losing his job singing with longtime gospel band The Perrys and subsequently entering rehab, Habedank continues to build his solo career.
The singer-songwriter recently penned the title track for Reba McEntire’s new gospel album, “Sing It Now,” and released his own new album on March 10 titled, “Resurrection.” Habedank came to the Faithwire newsroom on Friday to discuss his music as well as his successful quest to overcome opiate addiction.
“I think I realized it pretty early on,” Habedank said of the gravity of his addiction problem, explaining that he came to a point at which rehab was his only natural recourse. “I really had nowhere else to turn. And, honestly, I wanted help at that time.”
As is the case for many others who find themselves in the throes of addiction, Habedank’s problems began when he was given medication to treat an ulcer in his throat, explaining that the “addiction manifested from there.”
“I had to have the pills just to feel normal in everyday life,” he said, noting that this was a sign for him that he truly needed help. “When it all came to a head … that’s when I realized I really want (recovery).”
Habedank said he learned quite a bit while combatting his addiction, noting that rehab forced him to come to terms with both his good and bad qualities. The quest to come to grips with his positive attributes, he said, was helpful, considering that addiction can lead some to internally wonder, “What is there good in me at this point?”
The singer also offered up advice to those who might have friends or family members struggling with addiction, saying that, though it’s important never to give up on those loved ones, there comes a point where people sometimes have to step back.
“Sometimes, the hardest thing to do and the best thing to do is to step away. Nobody is going to get sober until they want to get sober,” he said. “You have to want it.” Watch below for Habedank’s entire addiction story as well as more about his new album “Resurrection“:
You can read more about Habedank overcoming addiction here.
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