More than 70,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2019. According to The Wall Street Journal, that number was 30% higher in 2020.
Numbers like that are the latest sad statistic from a culture of drug abuse that broke into the open in the 1960s and 1970s. The cost of illegal drugs in terms of crime, lost work productivity, and the impact on the health care system is estimated at $200 billion a year. To that figure, you can add another $80 billion from prescription drugs.
In addition, there’s growing momentum in the United States to legalize drugs despite the staggering numbers of traffic deaths, overdoses, and a new generation of “stoners” who would rather get high than pursue productive lives. Many Christian families are struggling with the same issues as secular society.
We can do more as people of faith to talk about the devastating effects of drug abuse and to offer solutions to people locked in addiction’s grip. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, I encourage you to join us for our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Offering Hope to Families Experiencing Drug Addiction.”
Mac and Mary Owen are with us to share about their journey away from their childhood faith and God’s timely intervention to rescue Mac from a life-threatening addiction to drugs. Hear their story on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.
If you or someone you know is trapped in addiction, you are not alone. God is with you. And we want to be here for you as well. Focus on the Family has Christian counselors who will listen to your story, pray with you, and direct you to practical help and resources in your area. Don’t wait. Contact us today at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
And when you get in touch, ask us about Mac and Mary’s book, Never Let Go: God’s Story of Healing Hurting Lives. Their story is wonderfully encouraging to anyone struggling with addiction and in search of hope and healing. In fact, I want to give you a free copy when you send a financial gift of any amount to Focus on the Family today. (Check our website for details.)
Kipper Tabb says
– Love Mary & Mac! Missy & I read their book years ago and have appreciated their friendship and leadership with Celebrate Recovery.