It had been only a few hours since he departed with friends to engage in a recreational game of basketball when his mother received the life-changing phone call. Two hours later she came face to face with the bewildering reality of her son’s concealed drug

addiction. It was too late. He was dead from a drug overdose. The grief-stricken mother queried aloud, “When did he start experimenting with drugs? From whom did he purchase drugs? Why didn’t he ask for help, Pastor Johnson?”

My personal encounter with the death of this college student was eye-opening regarding the devastating effects of drugs. His parents were Christian, loving individuals who provided well for their children, even down to selecting the community that had the best schools and that gave the appearance of being drug-free. But sadly, drug use and addiction do not discriminate based on a person’s socioeconomic status, gender, race, or age. Drug addiction can be prevalent in metropolitan and suburban areas, and is a growing menace even in rural America.

It is reported that one of the nation’s most dangerous drugs, methamphetamine an addictive stimulant also known as speed—is increasingly being found in rural areas.

As a nation the American government spends billions annually trying to curb the use of illicit drugs in communities, schools, and homes, but the results appear to be minimal at best. In the book Punishment:  A Comparative Historical Perspective Miethe and Lu report that the United States has the second-highest incarceration rate in the world, with the vast majority of those imprisoned being charged with drug-related crimes.  Additionally, many first-time drug offenders are between the ages of 16 and 21—the age range for high school graduation and entry and matriculation on college campuses.

Also, there are people who are predisposed to drug addiction because their mothers were drug abusers during pregnancy.
This special issue of Message has been designed to heighten awareness of the escalating drug epidemic in America and offer preventive measures for countering its mortifying effects. Too often drugs are too close to home, and in far too many cases they go undetected until it’s too late. Yet no drug situation is hopeless. Professional counseling has much to offer persons battling drug addiction. But unequivocally, Jesus is the best and ultimate solution to this daunting issue! I pray that you will be inspired by His Spirit as you embrace the resources and information found on these pages.. WJ2