Stephen Meraz (LCDC)

Stephen is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and a person in long-term recovery who is dedicated to helping individuals and families find freedom from addiction. He grew up in Friendswood, Texas, a small town outside of Houston, and married his junior high school sweetheart over two decades ago. Together they are raising their 12-year-old son.

Stephen’s professional work is deeply informed by his personal journey. After years of struggling with drugs and alcohol and being unable to stop despite severe and escalating consequences, he entered residential treatment facing the possibility of incarceration. Over an 18-year period he attended treatment on three separate occasions, each experience bringing greater clarity to the depth of his addiction and the need for lasting change.

Through treatment he was introduced to the 12-step recovery process. By committing personal accountability, spiritual growth, and service to others, he achieved sustained sobriety and relief from the relentless cycle of substance use. This process also reconciled a long-standing internal conflict between his faith and his lifestyle, allowing him to live in alignment with the values he was raised with and deeply believes in.

Recognizing the pain his addiction had caused his family and others he loved, Stephen chose to dedicate his life to helping people facing similar struggles. He returned to school, earned his LCDC credential, and is continuing his education in Biblical Counseling to better integrate clinical skill with faith-based support for those who desire it.

Stephen brings empathy, authenticity, and lived experience to his work. His passion is walking alongside individuals in early recovery, helping them build practical tools for sobriety, restore relationships, and develop a renewed sense of purpose.