There’s no use trying to "con" anyone.  Drugs do make people feel good and provide a means of escape.  However, that good feeling and escapement is only temporary.  It doesn't last.  No matter how high we get, when it is over we still must come down to the real life with its real problems.  Running from a problem never solved it.  We may prolong it or make it worse; it won't go away.

I'm not just talking off the top of my head.  I've been associated with too many people who have been on the drug scene.  I've dealt with these problems first hand.  You may have reached that lonely time in your life when you feel empty, useless, unloved, unwanted and unnecessary.  So, what are you going to do about it?  Bury your head in the sand and hope the feeling will disappear, try an artificial filler such as drugs, or stand on your own two feet and deal with things realistically.  Everyone gets that vacant feeling at some time in his or her life.  You are not the only one to go through this.  The only difference is that some people know where to turn for help.  They manage without that artificial filler provided by drugs.  You must learn that solutions to any of life's problems do not come from the "far-out" world of chemicals.  The answer can come through a four-letter word that isn't spelled D-R-U-G, but is spelled L-0-V-E.  It is through God's love that people like you have come to grips with their problems.  They've learned that it's the "greatest thing in the world to be a Christian", because in Jesus you and I can find the love, care, concern, and understanding necessary to fulfill our human needs.

The Bible itself is the most valuable source of help in facing the problem of drugs in our lives.  It really can be a good life if we want it to be despite all the problems it presents. 11 Peter 1:3 tells us that God hath given us, "all things that pertain unto life and godliness." Look at the potential physical and psychological danger that drugs present to the abuser.  The physically addicting drugs deteriorate the body and overdose can result in respiratory failure and death.  Psychologically, drugs can cause us to lose all sense of control.  We switch our entire dependence and reason for living to the chemical.  The Bible teaches in I Corinthians 6:19-20 that God has given us our bodies; our bodies belong to Him.  We are told in Romans 12:1 that we are to "present our bodies a living sacrifice to God." Can we do this and be drug dependent?

Let's put the blame where it really belongs.  What we are actually talking about is- a people, not a drug problem.  People make the drug problem what it is by letting the drug gain control of their lives, thus, they lose control and are unable to face reality with these artificial fillers to bridge the gap.

1. In my years of working with drug dependents and alcoholics, I have developed a set of guidelines which I stress to each one and which I try to live by myself.  I know that these things can help if you will use them in your life as you face the temptations to use drugs or misuse your life in any way.
2. Think positive: Life is not dull.  Everything that is fun is not a no-no.  You can enjoy life and feel good about it by using the Word of God as your guideline.  A negative attitude can destroy you, but tell yourself you can do whatever you set your mind to, including being drug free.  If you are not sure of yourself, you are in trouble.
3. Fill Your Life With Joy: Don't go around with your chin dragging the ground.  Hold your head up with enthusiasm.  Don't let life drag you down.
4. Get Involved: You get out of anything exactly what you put into it.  If you are not willing to sacrifice, don't expect life to be a rose garden.  That's why religion is dull to some people; they don't put anything into it.
5. Discipline Yourself: Bring your body in subjection.  Control your own life.  Don't allow a chemical to control you.
6. Be your own person, not a reactor to others.
7. Handle everything with prayer.

By applying these guidelines to your life you won't need drugs.  If you have any doubts about the right or wrong of drug abuse, answer these questions honestly:

1. Are you always asking others opinions about it?
2. Do you feel guilty when you do it?
3. Can you thank God for the privilege of doing it?