Recently, the problem of so many people overdosing on opioid substances resulting in some ending their lives, some ending in prison has crept into the mainstream with the department of Health and Human Services declaring it as a public health emergency.
“Opioid substances, including commonly prescribed prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and synthetic substances such as fentanyl, claimed 59,000 lives in 2016.” [1]
In the mid 80’s drug overdoses were taking lives as crack cocaine became known, still being used today.
In the 60-70s it was Marijuana, still being misused today.
The common idea of locking them up and banning the drug was the proposed solution. Now thousands are in prison for the crime of possession. Has it worked? Obviously not as the crisis has just morphed into using different drugs and getting them illegally. But why do the young do it? Why do they desire to consume a substance that will possibly knock them unconscious? Why? Are they aware of the consequences? Do they even care? Is it just thought of as going on a drunken high, and waking up with only a headache? Have they started out with only a high the first time. “Wow that feels good.” Then soon again seeking that same feeling of extreme joy, but then the just one pill has required 3 or 4 to get the same effect and soon they’re hooked. “More, I need another, please, it’s not working.”
Why? Why do we seek these ‘highs”?
Is it the desire for continual joy, happiness?
Marijuana is grown as a plant, a green leafy item having its own healing qualities built in, designed by the Creator as a benefit to mankind. When and who discovered its usage.
One day, thousands of years ago a guy was out picking the veggies for dinner; potatoes, corn, a head of lettuce, tomatoes and beheading a chicken to roast over an open fire, when he saw an unfamiliar plant growing along the hillside. Humm? He picks it, fingers it, licks it, tastes good. So, he gathers a bunch to add to the night’s dinner. They all enjoy it and feel pretty good, so the item becomes a regular part of the diet. But soon the hard-working youngster devour more and more of it resulting in physical fits thrashing about and he dies. The tribe leader pulls the tribe together telling them all that they’ve got to use wisdom when consuming this plant. Your diet is best when varied. Yes, it does relieve that back pain but use it sparingly. But the advice is ignored, so the next step is to ban the leafy plant from being harvested, but the young sneak out and get bunches anyway.
How do we avoid that part of our inherited nature?
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
“Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed are those who heed wisdom’s instruction.” Proverbs 29:18
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt 6:32.
The solution to the drug problem is not prisons, not the banning of the drug, but is in first things first. Treatment and rehabilitation of those afflicted instilling knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
]1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/10/26/lock-them-up-my-double-standard-in-responding-to-the-crack-crisis-vs-the-opioid-epidemic/?utm_term=.fcc20ab3c9b1