June 27, 2013
alcohol, drug abuse
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Drug addiction is a difficult problem. Denial of this problem only makes the problem worse. What can be done to help in these difficult situations?
1. Awareness of the problem. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus relates that the prodigal “came to himself.” Luke 15:17. The younger son in the parable came to the realization that he had a problem. In a previous blog, we examined twenty signs of addiction. The signs are given to help a person analyze the situation and draw the right conclusion as to whether or not a drug abuse problem exists. Some professionals (mentioned below can administer tests that diagnose drug addiction).
2. Breaking through self-denial. One of the most serious problems confronting an addict is admitting to an addiction. The addiction to a drug actually interferes with admission to a problem. Judgment is imparied due to inebriation. It is difficult to communicate with a person when they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and it is not recommended to attempt to elicite agreements for changes in behavior while under the influence of a drug. When a person is sober they think better and are in a position to make good decisions. Often the first step is detoxification and then professional treatment. Personal responsibility and accountability are essential to overcoming a drug addiction.
3. Don’t become an enabler. Often those who are closely associated with the addict are co-dependent. Co-dependency means that there is an exchange of needs between the addict and the enabler. An enabler may lie for an addict to cover up his/her mistakes, missed work, or other failures. An enabler may pay bills that are encurred due to the addiction. The enabler may do this to lessen the experience of pain the addict is causing or avoid embarrassment or to continue to recieve some emotional or physical benefit. When we enable an addict we suspend the law of reaping and sowing (Gal. 6:7-“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”). The addict will continue to drain the resources of the enabler until there is a crisis. The crisis is inevitable unless the addict takes action to resolve the addiction.
4. Seek professional help. Some professionals that can help are: doctors, drug counselors, ministers, hospital drug treatment programs and AA (Alcoholilc Anonymous) programs.
5. Strengthen your own relationship with God. Most who overcome addictive behaviors credit God with helping them. Often, when addiction occurs,estrangement from God occurs too. James states, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…” (James 4:8). God’s Word gives us wisdom to guide us along the pathway of righteousness. We will need His wisdom to make correct decisions that will help us overcome the problem of addiction. Those who are not Christians should consider surrendering their lives to God (Rom. 12:1-2). Real change in God’s direction involves repentance from sin and forgiveness from God (Acts 2:38).
6. Character Counts. If you’re attempting to help an addict, you will need patience, perseverance, love, determination, self-control, strength, kindness, truth and many other qualities. Your character will be tested. Make sure that you define the type of help you are willing to give. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries.
The coping strategies set forth here are not exhaustive, but they will help you make a start in the right direction. As you seek more information about the subject of addiction and professional help, you will define a pathway that will focus on a solution. There is no guarantee that the addict will walk this pathway. You cannot force him/her to do what is right. Ultimately, the addict must make the decision to seek help and pursue the means of hope and healing.
June 11, 2013
alcohol, drug abuse
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In 2011, there were 1.765 deaths due to drug overdoses in Ohio. An Ohioan died every five hours from a drug overdose in the same year. From 1997 to 2010, the average number of painkillers such as Oxycontin prescribed per Ohioan jumped from seven to sixty-seven. Heroin involved deaths are continuing to rise from 16 percent (233) in 2008 to a high of 24.1 percent (426) of all drug overdose fatalities in 2011. Since 1999, drug overdose deaths have leaped by 440 percent in Ohio. For the fourth straight year, unintentional drug overdoses continue to be the leading cause of injury-related death in the Buckeye State, topping traffic crashes, suicides, and falls. (All statistics from the Columbus Dispatch, April 27, 2013, A1 A8; “Ohioans overdosing on painkillers, heroin” by Alan Johnson).
In view of the rising number of drug users and addicts and the rise in deaths due to drug abuse, each person should become knowledgeable of the signs of drug abuse. In an article entitled, 20 Secret Signs of Addiction, Melanie Haiken gives a list of things to look for if you suspect drug abuse. (Yahoo Health, Mar. 14, 2011).
1. Quantity Control. Over time, a higher tolerance to alcohol or drugs leads people with addiction problems to increase the quantity and frequency of their substance of choice without showing signs of loss of control.
2. Hide and Seek Around the House. Pills or bottles of alcohol may turn up in unexpected places. Pills are generally kept in a medicine cabinet. But, what if you find a bottle of pills in the cookie jar?
3. The disappearing act. Missing jewelry? Money? Cameras? Selling items to raise money for drugs is common among abusers.
4. A Head Start. Drinking before going out with friends to drink. Then, you attempt to give the appearance of drinking the same amount as friends.
5. Tricks and Manipulation. Hiding an addiction leads to constant subterfuge. The addict becomes adept at lying. Are you having trouble believing your spouse when he/she tells you where they have been and what they have been doing?
6. The Money Magnet. Drugs are expensive. Bar tabs are too! Are you having financial problems? Problems paying the rent? Utilities?
7. The Clear Choice. Vodka is the drink of choice by alcoholics because it is clear and looks like water. Vodka can also be mixed with other drinks (iced tea for example) and be disguised.
8. Missing in Action. Repeated failure to show up at a birthday party, graduation, or some other important family event is a sign of addiction. An addict becomes unreliable and secretive.
9. A Narrower World. As addiction takes hold, it tends to block out other interests and activities that were important. Lost interest in hobbies or sporting events and even church attendance and functions.
10. Magic Bottles. A bottle that never seems to get empty may be a sign of addiction. Addicts hide bottles of alcohol in strange places (in the water tank in the back of the commode).
11. Can I Try The Diet You’re On? Crystal meth, cocaine and other “uppers” stimulate energy to the point that people feel they can go without eating. A side effect of this is weight loss. Do you know someone who is losing weight but is not on a diet?
12. Squeaky Clean. Constant use of gum or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol is a sign of addiction.
13. The Bathroom game. Prescription drugs are commonly found in the bathroom medicine cabinet. When visiting the home of others, addicts will raid the medicine cabinet and take pills.
14. Mood Management. Many family members describe the emotional experience of living with an alcoholic or addict as a roller coaster ride. Unstable moods, and unpredictable emotions are exhibited by addicts.
15. Sleeping Sickness? Alcohol and many types of drugs are sedatives or “downers.” They make you sleep and sleep heavily. Have trouble holding down a job? Are you sleeping in the day time and at night?
16. Pain That Never Ends. Back pain is one of the most common excuses for requests for more and more pain medication. Do you know someone who is regularly changing doctors in order to get different types of narcotics?
17. Sickness Without a Cause. Addicts are often ill. They have chronic physical problems. They have low energy, fatigue, and depression.
18. Paranoia and Panic Attacks. Attacks of paranoia are often associated with addiction. Addicts can develop social anxieties, fear of public places, and avoidance of public gatherings. Isolation results.
19. Storyteller. Addicts become adept at telling stories to others to gain sympathy. They lie to family members, bosses, doctors, the police and even the minister. Some of these stories are difficult to verify.
20. The Blame Game. Denial produces blame. The addict blames others for his/her problems. Guilt-tripping is a common tactic. The addict attempts to shift responsibility away from himself to others for all of the problems encountered. The home often becomes a war-zone. Hostility and violence are common. Peace is gone. How many times have the police been called to your home?
In the next blog, we will look at what you can do if a person you love is abusing drugs.
