As a pastor, and proponent of the gospel, I am thoroughly convinced that there is hope for those struggling with addiction. It comes, by God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. And while the gospel is the ultimate solution for all the brokenness of our world, including that which comes with addiction, the impact of the opioid crisis is multifaceted. It is complicated and there has been a tremendous ripple effect in our communities.
Consider the following peripheral aspects of this epidemic:
* Children of those struggling with addiction are always wounded emotionally and sometimes suffer physical abuse. Not to mention the babies who are born addicted and those left to grow up without parents that have died from drug overdose. Grandparents and others often step in to assist. Schools are filled with children struggling to learn, even as they are dealing with trauma and stigma associated with drug use in their homes. Teachers and guidance counselors are on the front lines of this tragedy. It is bound to take a toll on them as well.
* Our healthcare system is stretched to the limits. The physical fallout that comes from drug abuse is significant. Hospitals and doctor's offices see the lasting effects of this crisis. Not to mention the chronic health issues that are sometimes associated with sharing needles. Plus, there are a growing number of overdose victims that enter hospitals daily. This has a tremendous impact on the first responders who are dealing with dozens of overdoses every week. All of these factors affect not only those using drugs, but those caring for them and the systems in place to provide aid and support. We must care for those who are hurting and improve these systems that are currently overwhelmed.
* There are some with legitimate health concerns that find themselves caught in the crossfire. Dozens of clinics and physicians erred in dispensing and prescribing prescription opioids. The crisis spiraled out of control. Many became addicted. Pain clinics have been shut down, often for good reason. However, there are still individuals trying to manage actual pain. Pharmacists and physicians are trying to navigate this crisis with wisdom and serve their patients.
* Some (not all) struggling with addiction turn to crime. Although some of this crime is nonviolent, the impact is felt by family members as well as complete strangers who become victims. Add to this the terrible violence that is nearly always associated with those who are selling drugs. Shootings and gang activity are prevalent especially in areas where drugs are being bought and sold. Any veteran police officer will testify to how all of these things has increased their caseload over the last ten years. It has become a cliché already, but it still holds true, "we can not arrest our way out of this crisis." Still, law enforcement officers are among those on the streets daily trying to help combat this epidemic.
* While it is difficult to quantify, the job market is certainly negatively impacted by drug abuse. Some employers will have difficulty finding workers who can pass a drug test and have the capacity to function in the workplace. Companies in this situation find it harder to compete, let alone thrive and grow. Those dealing with addiction issues have a harder time finding and keeping a job. It is a vicious cycle for both parties. Difficult economic times, poor decisions by some, many others feeling the impact.
There is no single solution to make the mess go away. When someone who has struggled with substance abuse is transformed by the gospel, that is reason to rejoice! And praise God this is happening in churches, treatment centers and recovery groups over and over again. However, there are layers of complication and tragedy that will not go away overnight. This is a big issue that will take much time, urgent prayer and risky love if we hope to see it diminished. We must not lose sight of the fact that those battling addiction are human beings, made in the image of God, valuable to him and worthy of our compassion.
Just as there is a ripple effect from destructive actions, there is a ripple effect from gracious actions. While some are "cursing the darkness" caused by this epidemic, others are lighting candles and pressing into that darkness. The skeptic may say, "I didn't cause this mess, I'm not going to clean it up." That attitude is self-centered and short-sighted. A community effort is necessary if a community is going to experience recovery.
Recovery is possible. There is hope. What will you do to engage this issue and cause a ripple effect of God's love and grace?
