More than 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2017.
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 in prescription drugs.
Despite the staggering numbers of traffic deaths, overdoses, and a new generation of “stoners” who would rather get high than pursue productive lives, there’s growing momentum in the United States to legalize drugs.
Many Christian families are struggling with the same issues as secular society. Mac and Mary Owen grew up in loving Christian homes in the 1970s. Yet, they loved to party with their friends. They sneaked out of youth group meetings to drink and smoke marijuana. Experimenting with psychedelic substances was a normal part of everyday life.
It was all fun and games until Mac developed a life-threatening addiction to drugs.
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.
You can hear their story on your local radio station, online, on iTunes, via Podcast, or on our free phone app, or watch the program on our YouTube channel.
The Owens believe that God is at work in the lives of people who are trapped in addiction. You are not alone. God is with you. And we want to be here for you as well. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, Focus on the Family is here to help. We have 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.)
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