We Equip Churches
to care for, disciple & mobilize
Those most affected by addiction
Download Chapter 1
Get the first chapter the updated book The Dunamis Effect by Dr. Don Middleton. In the book, Dr. Middleton outlines a different way to think about 12-Step recovery programs by centering the process around an intentional Christian and Biblical priority.
Complete this simple form and we'll send you chapter 1 absolutely free.
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Addiction isn't like it is on TV.
Most people who struggle with addiction are hiding in plain sight.
Download White Paper
The statistics on drug and substance disorder are staggering. We've put together this FREE downloadable resource for your church to use to better understand what is happening in today's world.
Use this form to access the whitepaper.
By submitting this form you agree to receive updates and information from The Dunamis Initiative via email. We are careful with your information and do not redistribute it in any way.
Hello & Welcome... I'm Don.
I'm a Family Practice/Addiction Medicine physician, a follower of Jesus, and the founder and CEO of the Dunamis Initiative.
I also enjoy long term sobriety.
What others are saying
Russell D Smoldon
"I lead a Life Recovery group that we set up through our Church that deals with addiction of all kinds. Based off the Life Recovery Bible and Biblical teachings, we have adopted The Dunamis Effect as our guidebook. We use this guide and the 12 steps in a belief that Jesus is our Higher Power. The group loves this more modern, medical, and spiritual approach to the 12 steps and recovery. I recommend this approach if your goal is to bring spiritual wellness and the love of Jesus to recovery. This is essential to lifelong sobriety and a selfless service to God and our neighbors."
Christ Church of the Valley (CCV)
Ashley Wooldridge
“The Dunamis Effect” provides the needed resources for a comprehensive Christian recovery ministry for churches of any size. I highly recommend it to any church wishing to expand their reach.
Meadows Behavioral Healthcare
Jerry L. Law
"Dr. Middleton has tackled the issue of developing a 12-Step program based recovery program that supports men and women who identify as Christians and have historically been reluctant to engage in traditional 12-Step Programs."
Announcing a New Book
We’re pleased to announce the release of our newest book, Dissecting the Prayers and Promises of AA. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing samples from the book to give you a taste of its content.
Consider picking up a copy for yourself and a few for friends in recovery. We believe everyone will benefit from this fresh look at some timeless prayers!
If you’ve never attended an AA meeting, you might be surprised to know that a lot of praying goes on in those rooms. In an average one-hour meeting, there are at least two group prayers. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous was written by Christians for Christians, using the New Testament as a guide to finding freedom for those struggling with addiction. Prayer is mentioned many times in the book and is considered a vital tool for those seeking long-term sobriety. However, as our society has grown increasingly secular over the decades, so has AA.
Prayer isn’t easy for everyone, especially for those who didn’t grow up with it or have hidden from God out of shame over their struggles. The purpose of The Dunamis Effect is to bring the 12 steps back to Christ, where they originated. As part of this mission, we aim to move away from automatic, mindless prayer and return to deep, meaningful communication with our Creator.
"This changed everything for me"
I grew up in the church and became a Christian in 5th grade. As I grew older, I served in many capacities for years in my local church. As my family grew and I continued in my career, I slowly began drinking more. One day I realized I had a problem, and I could not stop drinking. I was still an active member of my church, small group, and even coached youth sports in the community. I had even carved out a somewhat successful career. All this while drinking 4 to 5 fifths of bourbon a week. I tried to stop and could not.
In my Dunamis Effect group, I learned I was powerless over everything, and turning my will and life/outcomes to God released His power (dunamis) to restore me to sanity and heal my family. My life now exceeds my wildest dreams.
~Dave in Ohio
I had tried on and off for years to get sober through all variety of programs including AA, outpatient treatment and work with therapists. These things would work for a short while but never produced lasting results. It was only when I gave up on the idea that I could solve it and instead let Jesus be the leader of my life that I finally found sobriety.
To do this, I worked with my Recovery Partner through The Dunamis Effect book and workbook and with Jesus as the focal point, I finally found relief. Every morning I pray for Jesus to keep me sober and every evening I thank Him profusely for the gift of sobriety. Jesus saves us from all manner of sin, and this program is designed to guide us to Christ for His deliverance from addiction.
~Jacob in Arizona
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