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Do you think Christians should take a strong and united stance against drug addiction problems?

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    3

marks

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I think most addicts just hate the fight with getting over their addiction. Obviously we love our sins, its just addicts tend to focus more on a certain sin than others. But at the end of the day, we hate the fight more than the actual sin. We just wish God would just remove the desire from us.

i’ll be honest, for me and my besetting sin, i love doing it, and i wish it wasnt a sin. But what i hate the most… is the fight to overcome it.
I see two ways to both understand sin and addiction, and to address it in our lives.

There is the corruption of the flesh, our own poor character. Through dedication over time we can improve our character by monitoring our thoughts and deeds, and taking corrective action whenever possible. We devote ourselves to reading and study of the Bible, to prayer, to fellowship with others, we eat right, take care of our bodies, and allow our brains to rewire themselves over time to match our new lifestyle.

There is the the life of the Spirit, how we live when we are trusting Jesus. By recognizing that we are reconciled to God, fully accepted by Him, not for anything we have done, but because of Jesus, His death, we can learn to experience a new kind of life, where God is ever-present with us, in an active way, and when the usual problems with sin and the flesh come, God is right there with us to show us His way. Often it's simply by recognizing that God has given us victory, and doing something else instead. Or stop what we're doing, and do something else. By trusting Jesus, we receive the ability from Him that we can just stop That, and start This. And in time, our brains will still rewire themselves, and the push to sin won't feel as strong. Or it might. We're all different. But as we learn to walk in faith, we overcome.

Much love!
 

LouisWilliams

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I see two ways to both understand sin and addiction, and to address it in our lives.

There is the corruption of the flesh, our own poor character. Through dedication over time we can improve our character by monitoring our thoughts and deeds, and taking corrective action whenever possible. We devote ourselves to reading and study of the Bible, to prayer, to fellowship with others, we eat right, take care of our bodies, and allow our brains to rewire themselves over time to match our new lifestyle.

There is the the life of the Spirit, how we live when we are trusting Jesus. By recognizing that we are reconciled to God, fully accepted by Him, not for anything we have done, but because of Jesus, His death, we can learn to experience a new kind of life, where God is ever-present with us, in an active way, and when the usual problems with sin and the flesh come, God is right there with us to show us His way. Often it's simply by recognizing that God has given us victory, and doing something else instead. Or stop what we're doing, and do something else. By trusting Jesus, we receive the ability from Him that we can just stop That, and start This. And in time, our brains will still rewire themselves, and the push to sin won't feel as strong. Or it might. We're all different. But as we learn to walk in faith, we overcome.

Much love!

Thank you, brother. I have had several friends who used such substances once - and even family members who also see little harm in them, even if they do not necessarily use them. I personally find them to be useless and self-destructive, but they do seem to be increasingly popular, not just among younger people, but also middle-aged and older Americans.

Do you or anyone here know personally people who struggled with drug abuse and addiction?
 

Rita

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I think for addiction in general, it happens because of a few things. I know a thing or two about addiction from personal experience. Its not about drug vs alcohol vs sex addictions, its about the persons mentality. The most difficult part for me, is the changing of the mind. While most addictions do lead to serious changes in a person, its getting them to realize that change is needed that is the difficult part. I can tell you right now, even as i type this out, my addiction is calling out to me. Its a constant thing. And despite all the problems i have had to deal with as a result of addictions, stopping seems to be what others do, not me. Going to the ER, going to dr’s, not to mention the physical pain involved, none of that stays with me.

addictions are powerful, and all consuming. I have literally been down on the ground, pounding the floor, begging God to help me as the addiction drives me mad, only to surrender to it. You want to talk powerful? Imagine having a craving, three days long, fighting it even in your sleep. I learned very quickly my willpower sucks. At some point, you just lose the ability to fight anymore. And repentance takes a back seat because you just dont want to have to go through that battle again.

anyways, i always feel bad for people fighting their addictions, but i also never say anything about it to other addicts. I can assure you, addicts know they are doing wrong. And hearing about it for 9,000th time just makes it worse. Hitting rock bottom doesnt automatically make you want to get straight.

My son has an addictive personality, he has battled alcohol addiction, smoking and a few other things. I know that it seems so easy to the person who doesn’t have the addiction, but it is a battle. I have watched him struggle ……now many of the addictions he has been able to overcome, but when he recently came to faith they all left him with an immense sense of guilt and pain. He isn’t free of that addictive side of himself, and it’s something he will no doubt have many struggles with as it’s his weakness. However the Lord called him knowing about them all, and loving him anyway.
I also feel for addicts as deep down many are just so lost.
Rita
 
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marks

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Thank you, brother. I have had several friends who used such substances once - and even family members who also see little harm in them, even if they do not necessarily use them. I personally find them to be useless and self-destructive, but they do seem to be increasingly popular, not just among younger people, but also middle-aged and older Americans.

Do you or anyone here know personally people who struggled with drug abuse and addiction?
I have.

Much love!
 

Truman

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Thank you, brother. I have had several friends who used such substances once - and even family members who also see little harm in them, even if they do not necessarily use them. I personally find them to be useless and self-destructive, but they do seem to be increasingly popular, not just among younger people, but also middle-aged and older Americans.

Do you or anyone here know personally people who struggled with drug abuse and addiction?
I started drinking and using solvents when I was 12. By the time I was 13, I was using LSD and shooting methamphetamine. Quaalude and MDA. Cannabis and anything else I could numb my deep-rooted sense of rejection with. When I was 15, I caught Hepatitis C. by sharing a needle. The last time I abused myself with a drug was January 31. 2004.
Give God the glory! He has given me a new heart, though it did not happen overnight.
 

LouisWilliams

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I started drinking and using solvents when I was 12. By the time I was 13, I was using LSD and shooting methamphetamine. Quaalude and MDA. Cannabis and anything else I could numb my deep-rooted sense of rejection with. When I was 15, I caught Hepatitis C. by sharing a needle. The last time I abused myself with a drug was January 31. 2004.
Give God the glory! He has given me a new heart, though it did not happen overnight.

Was drug abuse and addiction very common among your friends, growing up, Truman? Is the problem in Canada as serious as in the United States, from your perspective?
 

Truman

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Was drug abuse and addiction very common among your friends, growing up, Truman? Is the problem in Canada as serious as in the United States, from your perspective?
I'm 63, so I've been out of the drug world for some time. Since 1993, I've had 2 relapses, one for 5 days, and one for 5 months.
During the early 70s, most of my friends experimented with drugs, though most put them down as they entered adulthood. Alcohol was the main problem I saw, and it was mine. Opiate abuse wasn't something I saw much of.
I've since realized that my problem was major depression. In 2004, a doctor who ran a methadone clinic told me that I wasn't an addict. I wonder if "addiction" even exists as more than a symptom. It may be a bunch of other issues all mixed up. My problem was me, not drugs.
I walk down the street and see syringes on the ground. You never saw that back in my day. Opiates were difficult to obtain. That was, until Oxycontin arrived on the scene.
It must be horrible being young today, what with China freely dumping tons of Fentanyl on the streets. I think Canada isn't too different from America.
It must be hard to find something to believe in today as it seems that everyone has sold out. As always, Jesus is the answer for the world today. The world is in desperate need of a move of God that will bring the kingdom of God into every aspect of society.
The greatest awakening ever seen is coming! I've seen it and so have many others. Our foundations will be tested, though. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken, so that only that which cannot be shaken will remain! Shalom!
 

marks

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I wonder if "addiction" even exists as more than a symptom.
It certainly can be. Self-medicating is a real thing, and can be valid. Someone with major depression who takes an antidepressant will become "addicted", and needs to be weaned from it. And someone who takes a drug for the same reason, it's going to look like drug abuse and addiction, but is actually how a person has learned to maintain homeostasis.

Much love!
 
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Truman

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It certainly can be. Self-medicating is a real thing, and can be valid. Someone with major depression who takes an antidepressant will become "addicted", and needs to be weaned from it. And someone who takes a drug for the same reason, it's going to look like drug abuse and addiction, but is actually how a person has learned to maintain homeostasis.

Much love!
That's called, "hitting the nail on the head," at least when it came to me! I've been trying to remember that word for years! Thanks!
 
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Reggie Belafonte

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If one would willingly take a experimental drug like the Covid Jab, then such a one would be open to being subjected to anything, I am sure of that.

I took Dope when I was 21yo for the first time for a good reason and only once in a blue moon but that was in the 80's, if I was to ask myself why I did I not take dope for 30 years, well I don't need it for one and I would not take the new types of dope that they have now a days because it's stupid to do so, it's to powerful, I don't want to get blown away and I do not drink to get smashed and never did.

There has to be a reason why one does something and it's not because of pier pressure for me, that does not work on me as I am happy to go my own way and stand up to anyone as to why I do not follow along with the crowd. oh everyone else is doing X, Y and Z, Not me bro ! they can't tempt me with such because I will turnaround and dismiss such things. some will try and bag me for such but I don't give a cracker.
I am not interested in what people think, I am only interested in what they truly know.
 
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Truman

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If one would willingly take a experimental drug like the Covid Jab, then such a one would be open to being subjected to anything, I am sure of that.

I took Dope when I was 21yo for the first time for a good reason and only once in a blue moon but that was in the 80's, if I was to ask myself why I did I not take dope for 30 years, well I don't need it for one and I would not take the new types of dope that they have now a days because it's stupid to do so, it's to powerful, I don't want to get blown away and I do not drink to get smashed and never did.

There has to be a reason why one does something and it's not because of pier pressure for me, that does not work on me as I am happy to go my own way and stand up to anyone as to why I do not follow along with the crowd. oh everyone else is doing X, Y and Z, Not me bro ! they can't tempt me with such because I will turnaround and dismiss such things. some will try and bag me for such but I don't give a cracker.
I am not interested in what people think, I am only interested in what they truly know.
Hope your mom's doing okay!
 
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JohnPaul

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I'm 63, so I've been out of the drug world for some time. Since 1993, I've had 2 relapses, one for 5 days, and one for 5 months.
During the early 70s, most of my friends experimented with drugs, though most put them down as they entered adulthood. Alcohol was the main problem I saw, and it was mine. Opiate abuse wasn't something I saw much of.
I've since realized that my problem was major depression. In 2004, a doctor who ran a methadone clinic told me that I wasn't an addict. I wonder if "addiction" even exists as more than a symptom. It may be a bunch of other issues all mixed up. My problem was me, not drugs.
I walk down the street and see syringes on the ground. You never saw that back in my day. Opiates were difficult to obtain. That was, until Oxycontin arrived on the scene.
It must be horrible being young today, what with China freely dumping tons of Fentanyl on the streets. I think Canada isn't too different from America.
It must be hard to find something to believe in today as it seems that everyone has sold out. As always, Jesus is the answer for the world today. The world is in desperate need of a move of God that will bring the kingdom of God into every aspect of society.
The greatest awakening ever seen is coming! I've seen it and so have many others. Our foundations will be tested, though. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken, so that only that which cannot be shaken will remain! Shalom!

China is trying to kill America, something President Trump was trying to stop, now our new communist administration will kill us lest we do what they say.
 

LouisWilliams

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I'm 63, so I've been out of the drug world for some time. Since 1993, I've had 2 relapses, one for 5 days, and one for 5 months.
During the early 70s, most of my friends experimented with drugs, though most put them down as they entered adulthood. Alcohol was the main problem I saw, and it was mine. Opiate abuse wasn't something I saw much of.
I've since realized that my problem was major depression. In 2004, a doctor who ran a methadone clinic told me that I wasn't an addict. I wonder if "addiction" even exists as more than a symptom. It may be a bunch of other issues all mixed up. My problem was me, not drugs.
I walk down the street and see syringes on the ground. You never saw that back in my day. Opiates were difficult to obtain. That was, until Oxycontin arrived on the scene.
It must be horrible being young today, what with China freely dumping tons of Fentanyl on the streets. I think Canada isn't too different from America.
It must be hard to find something to believe in today as it seems that everyone has sold out. As always, Jesus is the answer for the world today. The world is in desperate need of a move of God that will bring the kingdom of God into every aspect of society.
The greatest awakening ever seen is coming! I've seen it and so have many others. Our foundations will be tested, though. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken, so that only that which cannot be shaken will remain! Shalom!

You have no idea, my friend, how increasingly popular drugs are among young Americans, especially the irreligious ones. And it both troubles and saddens me, quite immensely so, but I also feel helpless to stop them.

I think drugs are more than just physical substances, but they are also in essence spiritual poisons. And very, very powerful ones.
 
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Truman

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You have no idea, my friend, how increasingly popular drugs are among young Americans, especially the irreligious ones. And it both troubles and saddens me, quite immensely so, but I also feel helpless to stop them.

I think drugs are more than just physical substances, but they are also in essence spiritual poisons. And very, very powerful ones.
There's a very good reason why they're illegal, though a fresh look at the whole situation is required, I believe. Addicts are people, someone's children, caught in the jaws of a terrible monster. It's going to take the Lord and all of us to get through this...if we do.
Love conquers all!
 

LouisWilliams

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There's a very good reason why they're illegal, though a fresh look at the whole situation is required, I believe. Addicts are people, someone's children, caught in the jaws of a terrible monster. It's going to take the Lord and all of us to get through this...if we do.
Love conquers all!

But Truman, my brother --

Some drugs are NOT illegal. For example, marijuana was legalized in Canada -- and I think other recreational drugs are also being discussed in both the U.S. and Canada. So should Christians try to oppose that or not?
 

JohnPaul

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But Truman, my brother --

Some drugs are NOT illegal. For example, marijuana was legalized in Canada -- and I think other recreational drugs are also being discussed in both the U.S. and Canada. So should Christians try to oppose that or not?
I oppose it and voted against it.
 

Truman

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But Truman, my brother --

Some drugs are NOT illegal. For example, marijuana was legalized in Canada -- and I think other recreational drugs are also being discussed in both the U.S. and Canada. So should Christians try to oppose that or not?
Myself, I wish people didn't use any drug for recreational use. But it doesn't matter what I think. If someone with chronic pain can use cannabis instead of opioids, I'm all for that. I'd rather someone using weed than dead. We have so many problems.
A Christian should love God with all their heart, soul, and mind; and love others the same way they love themselves.
I think a lot of people are going to die before this is over. We should love everyone, being prepared to make the greatest sacrifice. Sigh!
 

Rita

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Yes, I believe that cannabis should be more available for those who need it with medical conditions. I am always swelling weed when I am around people in my home town, it’s not legal here but often used. My son used it at one time to help with extreme anxiety and panic attacks after his dad died, but that was just a tide over until we could get his medication sorted out.
I have mixed views on cannabis, I am not convinced it doesn’t affect the mental well being of some people , yet others it does honestly help. Personally it is not something i would use unless I honestly had no other route to take to ease the pain.
I must admit the whole issue of opioid use is awful.
Rita
 

JohnPaul

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Myself, I wish people didn't use any drug for recreational use. But it doesn't matter what I think. If someone with chronic pain can use cannabis instead of opioids, I'm all for that. I'd rather someone using weed than dead. We have so many problems.
A Christian should love God with all their heart, soul, and mind; and love others the same way they love themselves.
I think a lot of people are going to die before this is over. We should love everyone, being prepared to make the greatest sacrifice. Sigh!

Exactly Truman, for medicinal purposes such as for chronic pain and cancer patients or other medical uses I have no opposition against legalizing Marijuana, but if I'm not mistaken I think it's always been legal medicinal wise, I remember when I was a teen hearing people being prescribed marijuana I think for pain and other medical uses having to do with the eyes, perhaps cataracts, I'm not sure, that's always been legal on the federal level I believe.