What We Believe

Drug Abuse

Why do people use drugs?

It is a socially learned behaviour, used to find acceptance, to feel relaxed, to numb pain, to satisfy an addictive craving. Drugs may be medically prescribed and misused or illegal.

Who is a drug addict?

One who is helpless to control this addictive behaviour.

What ill effects does drug abuse have on the family?

It creates unhealthy dynamics because of the often irrational thoughts, speech, and action. There may be violence, cursing, and verbal abuse. As a result, children may inherit this trait, or have to be involved in the deceit and lies involved in "covering-up", denial, or "enabling".

What ill effects does abuse have on society?

It can lead to the breakdown of family life, the loss of productivity on the job, escalation of violence and abuse, lack of personal integrity, loss of trust, deceit, possible sickness, and early death.

What can society do to reduce drug abuse among its youth?

• It can model more self-restraint
• It can push for longer sentences for drug pushers
• It can better supervise areas of sports and entertainment
• It can teach (in school) ways to build self-confidence and relax
• It can discuss how to interact socially without it and still have a good time
• It can promote the idea of receiving counselling e.g. Narcotics Anonymous
• t can emphasize the need for a strong faith base to become more acceptable

What can young people do to reduce its abuse?

They may help their friends to recognize that a good time has to do with who you are naturally, and what you are doing, rather than what you use to alter your mood.

What can the Anglican Church do to reduce drug abuse among its youth?

• It can help them to develop an intimate relationship with the Lord who meets all needs and offers peace, joy, hope from a deep faith in God. .
• It can model a life of prayer that includes confession of sin, thanksgiving for healing and deliverance, and acceptance of the need for total dependence on God to avoid temptation and lead by example.

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Memorial Plaque In
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Thompson

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Polarization

Presentation by
Archbishop Gomez to
the General Synod of
The Church of England

St. John's College
celebrates 60 years