Hootie drummer to speak to Celebrate Recovery group

The perfect Christmas gift is different for each person, and for some, the best present is seeking a brighter path in life.

Anyone who needs help finding his or her way should attend Celebrate Recovery's next meeting at 7 p.m. Friday at Salt and Light Church, 360 Miller Road.

An added gift for attending the meeting this week will be live music and testimony from Jim Sonefeld, drummer for Hootie and the Blowfish.

At one point, Hootie and the Blowfish was the biggest band, said John Sellar, ministry leader.

But addiction got hold of Sonefeld and there was a lot of turmoil in his life, he said, like most people.

"Here was a guy who kind of had it all," he said.

The importance of Sonefeld's story is that no matter where you are in life, addiction can still get to you, Sellar said.

"The best day is today," Sonefeld said, "not tomorrow to begin working on the solution."

Sonefeld's cycle of addiction started in the early 2000s with heavy alcohol and drug use.

"I got sick and tired of being sick and tired," he said about his "white light moment" when he decided to seek help in 2004.

Sonefeld said the most important thing he realized on his journey to recovery is that he needed help.

"I always wanted to believe I held the answers and could save myself," he said.

It's important to tap into a group that can help you, he said.

Celebrate Recovery, a faith-based 12-step program, is a special home because the doors are open to people suffering from life's hang ups, Sonefeld said.

After finding his way, he said the best way to continue on a peaceful path in life is to share a peaceful solution with others.

So a few times a month, Sonefeld performs music and speaks at various Celebrate Recovery meetings throughout the state.

You don't need prior beliefs, and there is no commitment to come out, Sonefeld said.

"Don't let anything deter you," he said.

Celebrate Recovery is a unique group, Sellar said.

He originally thought the 12-step program was only for Alcoholics Anonymous but realized the steps are just a decent way to live.

The group addresses addiction and chemical dependency as well as other unhealthy things such as eating disorders and co-dependency, Sellar said.

Celebrate Recovery offers ways to live a more peaceful life, he said.

Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, and the meeting will start at 7 p.m.