USA (MNN) – Methamphetamine (meth) use continues to be a major problem in the United States, especially in more rural settings where it is often made. The Lighthouse uses a Biblical approach to addiction to help people overcome the grip of meth on their lives.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine goes by many names, including: meth, speed, crystal, crank, chalk, tina, tweak, go-fast, ice, glass, and uppers. However, while it is known by many names the substance is the same. Brandon Bower with The Lighthouse says that this white odorless crystal is often smoked or snorted, but can also be dissolved and injected directly into a person’s bloodstream.
(Image courtesy of tookapic from Pixabay.)
This destructive drug is often made in more rural areas where the strong scent emitted during production is more likely to go unnoticed. Unfortunately, Bower explains that where a drug is made, it is often consumed as well. This means there are many users in rural areas before the drug is taken to larger cities for distribution.
What is the Problem with Meth?
Meth releases large amounts of dopamine into the brain, giving users a highly addictive feeling of pleasure. However, when the high wears off, users often become depressed, anxious, tired and overcome with intense cravings. It can cause aggression and psychosis and is the drug that is most linked to violent crimes. As one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs, the National Institutes of Health notes that in some areas of the US, meth addiction poses a greater risk to public health than opioids.
Bower says, “Meth is one of those things that’s really hard to come out of. It destroys your body. It’s made from products like batteries, drain cleaners, fertilizers, nail polish remover, and paint thinner. Imagine putting that in your body and what it’s going to do to your body. It’s one of the most body destroying drugs that’s out there.”
In 2021 more than six percent of people over twelve years old reported having used meth at least once in their lifetime. With such an addictive nature, this drug not only damages bodies but it destroys lives.
A Biblical Approach to Addiction
However, there is hope for those addicted to methamphetamines. Most places say that the best treatment is behavioral therapy. The Lighthouse takes that a step farther and says that people must address the root cause of addiction.
“You can change behaviors, but unless you address the heart issues underneath, you’re not really going to address the root causes of the problem,” Bower states. “So we take people back to Scripture, talking about how we’re slaves to sin, how we obey sin rather than God. There’s a passage in Proverbs chapter 25, verse 28, that says, ‘A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.’
(Image courtesy of Daniel Reche from Pixabay.)
“That is an exact description of methamphetamine use, it destroys you and leaves you vulnerable and, and it affects your family and all of those you love. It’s just a really destructive force in our country.”
The path to recovery is a difficult one, but Christ provides hope with His victory over sin. Pray that those who come to the Lighthouse will experience the freedom that Jesus can bring over sin and addiction.
If you want to learn more or get involved with The Lighthouse, click here.
Header image courtesy of StockSnap on Pixabay.
