Prayer As We Deal With Addiction and The Opioid Overdose Crisis
DRUG OVERDOSE CRISIS
While the infection and death rates from COVID-19 here in British Columbia have dropped dramatically and pretty much flattened, sadly our other health crisis has gone the other direction.
For several years the opioid overdose crisis has been noted and measures introduced to try to decrease deaths by overdose and help those addicted live safer and more productive lives. Tragically, it has been announced in these past few days that in British Columbia, in just the month of May, 170 people have died from drug overdoses. This is the highest number of deaths in a single month on record.
On the same day I saw on Facebook a post about the death of a friend with whom I’ve sat in many recovery meetings who sought to follow Jesus and who struggled with addiction. He leaves behind a young son he dearly loved and other family. The truth is, during this past year the number of deaths and funerals and memorials that I’ve personally had connection to has skyrocketed. It is truly tragic how many lives are being stolen from us. There’s no more glaring picture of what the bible says about the work of the evil one when it says:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come
that they may have life and have it to the full.
John 10:10
The chief medical officer of our province who is well known for her management of the COVID-19 pandemic also has responsibility in this area of the opioid overdose crisis. Her address to us in response to these numbers was very heartfelt as she expressed grief with families who have lost loved ones and reiterated various measures that have been introduced to help stop the dying. I support some of those measures and strongly disapprove of others.
There is one statement that was made in that news conference that stuck with me and that is
It is connection that helps us address addiction and it is connection
that helps us overcome the many reasons behind addiction.
I’ve paraphrased the actual quote but that’s the essence of it. This I totally agree with.
It is connection to Jesus Christ and the peace of mind and heart and fullness of life He gives to those who put their faith and trust in Him.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:4-5
The health officer spoke of physical, psychic, and emotional pain, of stigma and shame as all factors that underline addiction.
To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God
John 1:12
Once again, the sense of care and belonging we receive when we turn our will and our life over to the care of God is unparalleled. Many, many people give witness to this reality.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, our hearts are grieved but so is Your’s with the loss of life – and particularly so many young people – to drug overdoses. You came to earth that we would know life in abundance, full of joy and peace and hope that doesn’t require a drug induced synthetic high that is there for a moment and then gone.
May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
And so today Heavenly Father we invite You to come close to those who have lost loved ones and grieve. We pray God that the love and mercy that You’ve prepared for them today will fill their hearts and lift them up. Thank you for your help to get us all through one day at a time and that you are faithful to give us what we need every single day.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies
never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
For those who struggle with addiction, particularly today with drug and alcohol addiction, but certainly other addictions as well, we pray that the curse of the evil one will be broken off them in the name of Jesus. We thank you that you rose from the grave to prove that you have power over every evil power and addiction is certainly included in that list.
For those who use drugs and alcohol as a way to numb pain and shame we pray healing that comes from drawing close to you to fill their hearts and minds and fill them with the value and dignity that you speak into their lives. You are not condemning but you are pouring out comfort and compassion for them to receive and make their own. We pray for them to take that step and receive what You are offering.
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth,
O mountains, into singing!
For the Lord has comforted his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted.
Isaiah 49:13
Lord we know that there are always many things to be worked through to deal with the inner pain and shame that many carry that underlines their addiction but today we bless each person to know the truth that You can bring all of us to freedom from addiction. We bless those who struggle today with these words from Your own word:
In all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor rulers, nor things present
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height
nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39
Friends, if you are struggling with addiction today please reach out for help. I’m posting the phone numbers of each province here in Canada in this post. If you live outside Canada do a Google search for “Addictions Treatment Helplines” or some similar phrase and make the call today.
As you make that call let me remind you of one more number to use. 5015 – this refers to Psalm 50:15 that where God promises us this:
Call on me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me.
Psalm 50:15
Alberta (Addiction Helpline, Alberta Health Services)
1-866-332-2322
British Columbia (Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service)
1-800-663-1441
604-660-9382
Manitoba (Addictions Foundation of Manitoba)
Adult services: 1-855-662-6605
Youth services: 1-877-710-3999
204-944-6200
New Brunswick (Addiction Centres, Department of Health)
506-674-4300
Newfoundland and Labrador (Addictions Services, Department of Health and Community Services)
1-888-737-4668
709-729-3658
Northwest Territories (Department of Health and Social Services)
1-800-661-0844
867-873-7037
Nova Scotia (Mental Health and Addictions Services, Nova Scotia Health Authority)
1-888-429-8167
Nunavut (Kamatsiaqtut Help Line)
1-800-265-3333
867-979-3333
Ontario (ConnexOntario)
1-866-531-2600
Prince Edward Island (Addiction Services, Health PEI)
1-888-299-8399
902-368-4120
Quebec (Drugs: help and referral)
1-800-265-2626
514-527-2626
Saskatchewan (HealthLine, Ministry of Health)
811 or 1-877-800-0002
306-766-6600
Yukon (Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services, Health and Social Services)
1-866-456-3838 (for Yukon, Nunavut and NWT)
867-456-3838
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