This Time…

By Sarah Meece –

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

When I opened the local newspaper recently the headline stated: HEROIN USE UP BY 68% OVER LAST YEAR. In the article, a desperate mother was crying out for help because of her son’s addiction. “Where did I go wrong?” she asked. This mother was experiencing the pain and agony which many parents across the nation are experiencing in our society today—her son had overdosed on heroin. Fortunately, paramedics were called, and they were able to save this young man’s life…this time.

According to CNN, “Drug overdose deaths have been on the rise for the past two decades, but the number of deaths from heroin use is up by 39%. This is the third year in a row that heroin deaths have increased.” CNN also reported, “The number of people dying after abusing drugs is higher than the number of people killed in traffic accidents.” It’s simply mind boggling! Thankfully, local, state, and federal governments have created task forces and passed legislation associated with this cause.

In addition, statistics say that “more than seven million children live in a household where at least one parent is dependent or has abused alcohol, and an estimated 20 million Americans 12 or older will have used an illegal drug in the past 30 days.” (NSDUH) With those staggering statistics, it is safe to say that most of us have family members and friends who are walking this tedious, frightful journey of substance abuse, so what advice can we give to these hurting hearts?

I am definitely not an expert in this field, but I did dig deeper attempting to find some resolve. First and foremost, breaking free from heroin appears to be an extremely difficult process. There really isn’t an easy fix, but below are some suggestions you can offer to those who are experiencing addictions:

1. Seek professional counseling for assessment and moral support from those who you trust. Professionals may lead you to rehabilitation.
2. Hearing success stories of people who have overcome substance abuse and addiction encourage you to persevere.
3. Instill hope in your heart by reading God’s word. Some helpful scriptures:
   1. Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ~James 4:7
   2. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. ~John 16:24
   3. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. ~Acts 3:19
   4. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~John 1:8-9
   5. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~John 3:16
4. Pray. Drop to your knees and ask God for strength, guidance, and forgiveness. God wants to hear your repentance and feel your change of heart.
5. Instead of the self-destruction route, choose the God route. View recovery as an opportunity to build a better life, and keep your eyes not only on recovery but also on Jesus—”Seek first the kingdom of God!” [Matthew 6:23]

Last week, I had the opportunity to spend a few days with a gentleman who is a recovering addict. During his recovery process, he went through the Teen Challenge Program, and I am happy to report this man, now in his 50’s, is an ordained minister. He loves the Lord as visibly as anyone I have ever seen, and he definitely credits his survival to God’s grace. [Please note: The Teen Challenge Program is still available today.]

Regardless of who you are watching suffer from addictions—your relative, your friend, your neighbor, your coworker—please don’t give up on them. God’s love and grace are totally amazing, and we are never far from His reach. God values each of us, and when we repent, even in our darkest days, God is waiting and eager to forgive us.

With our all-powerful, all-loving God, we can better overcome those dark urges and addictions. Encourage your loved ones to choose God…because with Him, all things are possible.

Sarah Meece is a survivor. Having weathered numerous life-threatening events—from bullets to breast cancer—Sarah definitely credits her survival to God’s grace. After retiring from education, Sarah has devoted her life to glorifying God. She founded Sarah Meece Inspires.