Tennessee couple's hard-won battle against meth addiction inspiring thousands

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — A Cleveland, Tennessee couple's story of meth addiction and getting sober is inspiring thousands.

Cornerstone Church of God in Cleveland played a big factor in Brent and Ashley Walker's lives. It's where they were married, and it's also where they found healing through their drug addictions.

Brent also says God led him to share their story online - and speak with NewsChannel 9 today.

Three years ago, Brent and Ashley Walker looked like they did in the picture above.

"Meth makes you think so much crazy stuff. We fought all the time, because it makes you paranoid."

Brent says he's battled addiction for 10 years. Ashley says she struggled for 12 years. Now, their systems are clean - and their transformation is visible.

"I started my addiction when I was 9 - I picked up cigarettes," says Brent, "By 12, I was smoking weed. 15 I was dealing and doing ecstasy and acid. My whole life I've been miserable and hated my life."

Sobriety is hard fought, and it's a battle they've won. To celebrate, Brent shared their before and after photos on Facebook a couple of weeks ago, showing the fruit of their three years of hard work.

He used the hashtag '#Cleanchallenge', not knowing anyone on the social media site can see the post.

"We went to bed, and I just woke up to my phone going ding ding ding ding ding."

Overnight, the post got about 40,000 shares. Now, it's been shared more than 140,000 times.

With just a click of a button, the Walkers' story is inspiring thousands of people around the world.

"From the UK to Canada to California to Washington, Africa, Iowa - everywhere tell us that our story has inspired them to check into rehab and get help, and that's just the most rewarding thing to know," said Brent.

Brent and Ashley now have the platform to help addicts quit drugs, and follow their dreams like they are.

Brent got his GED this summer. "They gave us all cap and gowns that said 2019, and it was just really cool. I definitely couldn't stop smiling. It was a proud moment."

And Ashley is channeling her struggle to help others as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

"I want to work in the Labor and Delivery, and then go and get further counseling and work with the moms who come in addicted and could possibly lose their kids, because I can relate to them," she said.

The Walkers say if they can quit, so can others battling addiction.

If you're struggling with addiction or in the process of using drugs, the Walkers recommend trying Celebrate Recovery, a faith-centered recovery program. You can learn more at the website here.

Watch Bliss Zechman's full report below: