freedom awaits

You're Not Alone on Your Journey

Seeking sobriety is a courageous step. Recovery is hard. It can feel isolating, but you don't have to walk this path alone. Founded by Dr. Don Middleton—an addiction medicine specialist, theologian, and person in recovery—The Dunamis Initiative brings both professional and personal insight into the recovery process. At Dunamis, you'll find a supportive community that meets you exactly where you are, without judgment. Together, we'll help you discover strength through faith and fellowship.

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.

Read My Story

Empowering Lasting Recovery Through Faith

Our mission is deeply personal and centered around you. We strive to equip individuals, churches, and ministries with heartfelt resources to compassionately support people like you on your journey from addiction into healing and restoration through faith.

We recognize the pain and chaos addiction can cause—impacting families, careers, and lives. Many approaches to recovery—medicine, psychology, and religion—offer important insights, but often fall short on their own. At Dunamis, we combine their strengths to nurture long-lasting physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Here, you’ll find understanding, hope, and genuine support every step of the way.

What is The Dunamis Initiative?

With around 21 million Americans struggling with substance use disorders, addiction affects so many of us. Our faith-centered adaptation of the 12 Steps of AA has been a lifeline for people facing challenges with alcohol, drugs, gambling, and other compulsive behaviors. We've seen firsthand how this approach can lead to transformative, lasting recovery. Our mission is to offer compassionate, faith-inspired resources to help you break free from addiction’s hold.

A path towards freedom:

Featured publications

Our books provide a practical, spiritual, and science-informed path for those ready to begin or deepen their recovery. Each resource explores the 12 Steps of AA through a Christ-centered lens and offers tools for personal transformation, whether you're walking this road alone or with a Recovery Partner.

What you’ll find inside:

Chapter-by-chapter reflections on each of the 12 Steps
A biblical perspective integrated with clinical understanding
Supportive tools for emotional, spiritual, and behavioral change
A starting point for solo study or sponsor-led step work

What sets our books apart is their foundation in modern addiction medicine and authentic experience. Dr. Don Middleton brings together his background in theology, medicine, and lived recovery to offer guidance that's both insightful and relatable.

The Dunamis Effect: When Your Higher Power is Jesus

Explore how God's transformative power can fuel your recovery. The Dunamis Effect provides a powerful, faith-based roadmap that aligns deeply with your personal recovery journey.

“Whether you’re looking for spiritual renewal, a fresh perspective on God’s power, or simply an inspiring read, The Dunamis Effect delivers. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about moving from the bondage of addiction and stepping into their God-given destiny. Highly recommended!” - Craig B., Amazon Reviewer

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

The Dunamis Effect: Stepping into Freedom Workbook

Dive into your recovery with structured, faith-centered guidance. This workbook offers practical exercises based on the 12 Steps, uniquely framed within the teachings of faith.

“This is the perfect companion to the book “The Dunamis Effect.” It thoroughly and carefully walks a sponsor and sponsee through the steps in a kind of daily journaling style that is loaded with helpful guidance and very pertinent Bible verses. Using the two books together should be a very powerful addition to anyone seeking sobriety.”

-Anonymous, Amazon Reviewer

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

Dissecting the Prayers and Promises of AA

This book offers readers a fresh look at the 12-step process through Don’s lens of personal AA experience, theological insight, and specialized medical expertise. Dr. Middleton explores a more holistic and biblical path to finding freedom from addiction, grounded in the belief that true transformation comes through the power of the gospel.

“This author understands that recovery without God is merely abstinence. Getting emotional and spiritual healing is everything for feeling happy, joyous, and free!! Buy copies for all your recovery friends. I just did.” - Anonymous, Amazon Reviewer

-Anonymous, Amazon Reviewer

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

Dissecting the Prayers and Promises of AA

Start Your New Chapter Today

Take the next step in your recovery journey. Visit our blog or join our email list for ongoing encouragement and resources. Your journey matters, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

explore our blog

Recovery is within your reach. Let the transformative power of faith empower your next steps toward freedom and healing. At Dunamis, your journey is honored, your strength celebrated, and your future supported.

Coming Soon: Find A Group

Looking to connect with others who understand? Join one of our faith-based recovery groups for fellowship, growth, and support.

Real Stories. Real Healing.

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