Drug Addiction

Drug Addiction -- A Description
Drug addiction is the obsessive dependence on a legal or illegal drug. Drugs can include prescription medications, illegal drugs, and alcohol. While an addict may use more than one drug, he usually has a “drug of choice” -- his strongest addiction to break.

An addict can be dependent emotionally, psychologically, and/or physically, depending on the drugs used. His intense cravings drive him to resort to any means of obtaining the drug. Satisfying his cravings becomes the addict’s utmost priority -- even at the cost of losing all that was once important: job, home, friends, and family.

Drug Addiction -- A Personal Story
Teen drug addiction is destructive and life threatening. Take it from me; this is my story.

At the age of 13, my daughter encountered and accepted marijuana. Within a handful of tries, Stacy was hooked. My daughter began to change friends (whom I didn’t know). She became moody, dishonest, rebellious, and disinterested in school. For the first few months, I could not understand what was happening to my once sweet, compassionate, honest, respectful daughter. She was changing drastically before my eyes.

During this time, my grandmother died. We had always been close to her, but Stacy’s reaction was nonchalant, cold, and even scoffing at my emotional reaction.

That experience woke me up. I had to do something. Heartbroken and desperate, I first consulted her middle school counselor who assured me that the school was drug-free. My instincts told me otherwise.

Next, I took her to a counselor at a drug treatment program. There, Stacy admitted her addiction to marijuana. She consented to stay for treatment -- a 30-day commitment!

Drug Addiction -- Finding Help
Drug addiction help comes in various forms and treatment programs. That 30-day program was the first of 4 programs my daughter attended over the next 3 years. The last program was several hours away for a year-long, residential program. Did the treatments help? Well, yes and no. They helped me (as a codependent), and they helped her learn about the destructive effects of drugs. But did they break the addiction and bring her into recovery? Sadly, no.

The pain of seeing my daughter waste her life was almost more than I could bear. It was like helplessly watching her commit slow suicide. Through this excruciating nightmare, however, something did help.

I began attending meetings designed for families of drug addicts. Through these meetings, I found much needed support and empathy. More importantly, I found a return to my spiritual roots.

The group acknowledged God as the only source of true control over our loved ones and trials. Although I had strayed from living a spiritual life, I knew the teachings of the Bible were still true.

My daughter is now 33. She has had long periods of sobriety, but she has returned to her addictive drug that renders her jobless, unable to have children, and with long-term health issues. I still pray for her daily. While treatments support groups can help, I know that God alone can totally, permanently bring her out of addiction. When all else falls short and she turns control of her life over to Christ, He will deliver her from drug addiction.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

“Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks” (Matthew 7:7-8).

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light’” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Learn More About This Personal Healing Relationship With Jesus!