Article September 17, 2018 Issue

Drug abuse: We can do something about it

Sandy Sandberg

When asked what can be done about the epidemic of drug abuse, some people respond that it doesn’t affect them specifically so they don’t really need to be concerned. Others say that the problem is too big, so what’s the point in even trying to help? Yes, there are many unselfish citizens and first responders in our communities who dedicate their time to tackling this issue, with some good results. But what if we feel somewhat removed from the issue and aren’t sure how we can be of service?

There’s something that people who are studying Christian Science can do right now that can make a difference. It requires unique courage and compassion, an undaunted love for our fellow man, and a commitment to seeing each person’s God-given integrity. Inspired by a spiritual understanding of God, and of man as God’s reflection, we can feel motivated to regularly take moments to pray about this issue until we see results.

I’m reminded of a parable Christ Jesus used in his teachings known as the parable of the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11–32). A man has two sons, and one of them asks his father for his inheritance earlier than usual. The father gives it to him, after which the son takes it, leaves home, and foolishly spends his inheritance on “riotous living,” as Jesus described it—or hard partying, as we might call it today. The money runs out, and a famine comes to the land; the son has nowhere to go, so he ends up working for a farmer who sends him out to feed his herd of swine. Because the son has no way to get normal food, he starts eating the husks he is feeding to the swine. The situation looks utterly hopeless.

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Drug abuse: We can do something about it

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