05/19/2026
As you may know I was struggling with drugs for some time. Yea... like whatever came my way. My parents were beside themselves... my girl actually broke off our relationship. They all agreed, I needed help! So, I went to see my pastor. He was so kind and understanding. During our session he recommended that I see a professional... a phycologist, or psychiatrist. Someone who really understood how to overcome drug addiction and resolve all the phycological issues that go along with it... what he called, a disorder. He prayed God would help me, which I thought was very nice of him. So, I visited the local clinic and met with a doctor. He seemed professional and very confident. I explained my problem, and after filling out some forms, and having a discussion he recommended I take some suboxone for my (OUD) disorder and Xanax for my anxiety. I asked the doctor how he thought using more drugs was going to get me off drugs? I still haven't figured that out yet. Well, that was four years ago. I stopped the Xanax, and while still using the suboxone my parents complain that I isolate a little too much. It just seems more difficult to connect, to feel close to people lately. Maybe I'm just changing? At least I am not running with the crazy crowd anymore. Actually, I am not running with anyone. When I tried to get back with my girl, she said somehow, I had changed, so it wasn't going to work out between us. To be honest, I've tried to stop using the suboxone but have recently learned it is more difficult to stop then he**in. So... well... ah, I guess I just need a little more prayer...
This story is meant to be a hypothetical illustration expressing a very common response to drug addiction. This story is about us... The kid goes before the pastor who often struggles in his approach to addiction. So, he offers a prayer. Is the young man born-again? Ah... never asked. Yes, the young man needs a prayer, but what about the pastor or another establishing a discipleship relationship with him? Does the church do discipleship anymore? What about the pastor learning more about recovery from addiction? What about getting the man involved with a Christian recovery program? Meeting people who have experienced the rehabilitation centers, years... decades of taking legal drugs yet not experiencing true recovery... freedom! The substance abuser cries out, "I want to quit but I just can't, I haven't the power, help! Jesus said, "he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." Luke 4:18 He says, "come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28-30 Then we, as Christians, too often overlook Jesus and go running to the secular world. There they are introduced to more powders, more pills, but not the power of God. Suboxone? It is the easiest drug to be found on the streets. It flourishes everywhere... and is used by many addicts in trade for other drugs. My story, the stories of the men I have listened to are woven into this commentary. If Jesus is who we says He is, the one with all power and authority, then the Christian community should turn directly toward Him! Would He not expect us to? If our government, if the pharmaceutical companies are the solution, then why is the government suing these companies for billions of dollars, then taking that money to build more buildings and provide more beds every year for the captives of drugs and alcohol? You cannot stop an epidemic by pouring more of the fuel on the fire. If not common sense, certainly wisdom of God. There is a better way... its Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Yes... secular programs and pills have their place... but they should never ever take His place! They haven't his power, or ability to transform lives like Jesus. Amen! Set my people free!
