A former addict who used drugs for 15 years has heaped praise upon the overseas facility which helped him turn his life around.

Marvin Brangman joined Fellowship Deliverance Ministries in LaGrange, Georgia, in November, 1999, and said he has been clean since then.

The facility, which is run by Bermudian couple Maxwell and Rebecca Riley, is designed to specifically help men who are addicted to drugs or alcohol regain control of their lives.

Mr. Brangman said he was ravaged by the temptations of drugs but through the help of "Brother Max'' -- Mr. Riley -- and the ministry, he no longer has the urges that plagued him throughout his life.

"I was basically living in the shadow of death,'' he said.

"I've spent the last few months searching the word of God for answers.'' Mr. Brangman said he has returned home to encourage and inspire others who are facing crossroads in their lives to consider the ministry as an answer to their problems.

He noted that Bermuda's small society was not properly equipped to deal with the healing that drug addicts need.

"I've been to Addiction Services and Turning Point,'' he said.

"They help only to a certain extent. I felt the need to get away from Bermuda because I couldn't stay clean for the whole time.

"It got to the point where I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.'' Mr. Brangman said the healing power of God was instrumental to his new clean and sober life and was a fundamental part of the facility.

"I've always wanted to know Jesus on a more personal level,'' he said.

"After reading the Bible, I've come to the realisation that through prayer God can do or change anything.

"It took me a while to accept Him, and there were times that I've wanted to quit. But I reached out to God, and I knew that at the ministry is where I needed to be.'' Mr. Brangman said the ministry facility was like a haven and its secluded and natural setting was a good environment to bring about positive change in lives.

"Bermudians have a lot of pride,'' he said.

"So I think it's the perfect place for them to go where they're not known.

"It's a very supportive atmosphere and they really respect people's privacy there.'' Mr. Brangman said Mr. and Mrs. Riley should be commended for their efforts and pointed out that their selfless act of compassion had helped gain a new perspective on life.

"It's a positive alternative,'' he said.

"Drugs have kept me away from so many positive things, but it's important to make a life sacrifice for this.'' Marvin Brangman