ON CHRISTIANITY

DEARREV.GRAHAM: I don’t think most people realize just how terrible drugs are. My husband vowed he’d stop taking drugs after we got married, but he didn’t, and the last two years have been awful. He can’t keep a job, our life is a constant battle, and I don’t see any hope. Please pray for us.

— A.S. DEAR A.S.: My heart goes out to you because you’re right: Almost nothing is more devastating than drug addiction, both to the addicts and to those who are close to them. Almost every day I receive at least one heartrending letter or e-mail from someone whose life has been destroyed because of drugs.

No drug user ever starts out planning to ruin his life; they think they’ll be the exception, and that they’ll be able to stop at any time. Sadly, they’re only deceiving themselves. They are like the man in the Bible who said, “I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way.” But the Bible adds, “This will bring disaster” (Deuteronomy 29:19).

I hope many will pause as they read your letter and pray for you and your husband, for you need God’s help. And that’s why I urge you to turn to Jesus Christ and ask Him to come into your life. God loves you and wants to help you. And He will, as you ask Him to guide you and give you wisdom concerning the steps you need to take to help your husband.

Don’t assume this problem will go away on its own, for it probably won’t. Seek out someone you can trust (such as your pastor) who can point you to a treatment program in your area that can help your husband overcome his problems.