Ministry to the Addicted

Among those in society, struggling with drug use and addiction in general, there may be some in your congregation. I am not aware of statistics re: addiction in CRC circles. One social worker assured me that the numbers are more favorable than the averages in society, but there remains cause for concern.

Google will provide you with a summary of the many kinds of drugs presently in use as well as national and regional statistics of distribution of use. Though drug use has slightly decreased this last year, it remains a huge drain on national resources, and brings untold suffering. In 2013 marijuana use was thought to be as follows: 7 % of ninth graders, 18 % of tenth graders, and 22 % of twelfth graders. Related to drug use is the consumption of alcohol. Last year 26 % of twelfth graders reported having used alcohol during the past month.

This is just the tip of the ice-berg. Addictions come in a bewildering array of forms: pornography, betting and gambling, eating disorders, sexual addiction, and more – each with its own bitter price to pay. Addiction affects health, physical and mental, in many negative ways.

You, as an elder, cannot be expected to be an expert in this complex area of drug use. But chances are considerable that there are some addicted people in your district.  No, you cannot treat them, but you can be of help.

Some steps you may consider.

The elders should discuss addiction and drug use in a special meeting. Invite an expert who may advise you. As an individual elder, discuss this challenge with your pastor. Perhaps you have among your membership some who are informed about addiction. They may also help you in the difficult task of finding out who of the members of your district are addicted.

Drug users will probably be in their teens, but some may be older. Here the importance of regular visiting shows its beneficial importance again. If you have earned the trust of the members of your district, it is more likely that somewhere along the road you will pick up a hint that a near relative is struggling with this problem.

You cannot begin trying to give advice, let alone providing treatment. But remember one important thing: addicts are extremely lonely. So visit them. Visit regularly. Even the most frustrating visit is better than no visit at all. Assure this member of your unconditional friendship.  Their family members have their own worries and struggles. Seek them out too, and listen to their story.

Remember also that addicts tend to be manipulative. Their inner life is focused on satisfying their craving for the next fix. Conscience may become nearly non-functional. You may assure them of God's love and grace, but mentioning sin is not helpful. The addicted members of your district have condemned themselves over and over. Assure them of God’s forgiving, accepting grace. None of this ministry you can do without some guidance of experts.

And, yes, pray for them. Pray for all those who struggle with illnesses of one sort of another