The President and top government officials are calling drugs a national crisis and want to DO something. This is an area very close to the heart of President Trump because his brother died from alcoholism, which is still a very dangerous drug.
The challenge to reduce addiction and early death is very great. I have been working in Mental Health and Addiction for a long time and I certainly do not have THE ANSWER. I do have some suggestions.
1. One of the least expensive ways to reduce addiction is churches with Recovery Groups. The most successful programs in Russia was Recovery for both Addicts and for Co-Dependent family members. Supporting family members is as important as helping addicts. Addiction rates in Russia are ten times worse than ours but they have been very successful by helping families!
Drugs are only one part of the total Compulsive and Dependent behavior spectrum. People also get hooked on sex, pornography, the internet, food, anger, etc.
Options for Us
A. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are the most prevalent. They also sponsor Al Anon for family members
B. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ centered program with many resources to get started. http://www.celebraterecovery.com/
C. Teaching people to pray is very helpful.
D. Trained Peer Helpers is important.
E. Train people that the scripture says, "There is no condemnation" for people that struggle. So, let us stop condemning addicts.
In Cincinnati we can get help at:
City Gospel Mission https://www.citygospelmission.org/recovery/
The Serenity Network has several options.
nfo@serenityrecoverynetwork.org
The Cincinnati Vineyard has groups for addicts plus they train Helpers.
Addictive Behavior = Compulsions + Dependency
Compulsions arise to quell inner guilt and shame. If we add to the addict's guilt and shame
we can do damage.
Dependency is the result of a desire for happiness and joy. If that comes froms ex and
drugs we need to offer better feelings of spiritual joy to replace
the momentary feelings from bad behavior.
Prayer and meditation can raise good feelings and reduce the need to false highs.
Never, ever, suggest that a person cannot change.
Never be Pessimistic. Always promote Faith, Hope, and Love.
The best interventions is a combination of
Inner healing prayers and Power Christian Thinking. Many sex addicts were brought to recovery with that combination plus worship at College Hill Church.
Ministers: Do not preach against drugs, porn, sex, alcohol, etc.
It can make the problem worse by increasing guilt and shame. Preach
Healthy behavior and resting in Christ. Preach answers not failures
and problems.
Get my Power Christian Thinking Book for use yourself.
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