Substance Abuse

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse is a form of self-inflicted abuse. Substance abuse refers to the use of illegal, improper or excessive use of drugs, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or alcohol for activities besides those for which they were intended to be used. Abuse of substances is distinct from addiction, but can easily lead to addiction, which is classified as a disease and is therefore not a matter to be taken lightly. Continual or constant abuse of substances can result in problems in one’s social life, physical health, mental state, and even performance at work. According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, almost 15.3 million people have drug use disorders, globally (WHO). Each year, 3.3 million deaths are attributable to alcohol abuse. On average, every adult over the age of 15 consumes 6.2 litres of pure alcohol every year (WHO).

God’s thoughts on substance abuse

Substance abuse creates very strong dependency habits that can easily lead to addiction. In 1st Corinthians 6, verse 12, states that ‘All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.’ We see in this verse how the improper use of prescription drugs or alcohol can lead to you being controlled by it. Excessive, illegal or improper use of a substance will give that substance power over you that will control your actions and emotions. It was for freedom that Christ has set us free, and we are no longer to be subject to the yoke of slavery. Substance abuse is a yoke of slavery that is self-inflicted and may require you to reach out for support in order to set yourself free from this bondage.

What are the signs of substance abuse?

The following are signs of substance abuse.

Withdrawal from friends, family, and in socialising.
Disregard of responsibilities, such as employment, school, and caring for the family.
Borrowing or stealing money in order to be able to buy substances.
May also sell personal possessions to have the means to purchase substances.
Possibility of also becoming a seller of the substance.
Red or bloodshot eyes are common symptoms of heroin addiction.

What are the Impacts of substance abuse?

The following are examples of the impacts of substance abuse.

Insomnia – trouble falling or staying asleep at night.
Hypersomnia: excessive daytime sleepiness.
Loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed.
Mood swings, depression, anxiety, or bouts of anger.
Alteration and decline in appearance, behaviour, and emotions.
Poor personal hygiene, with a decrease in overall physical cleanliness.
Loss of appetite, which leads to a drop in their body weight.
Long-term drug dependence, which leads to addiction.
Noticeable change of mood, impaired judgment, and distortion of reality.
Alteration in alertness or response times, leading to the risk of accidents and injuries.

In conclusion, do not ignore the signs and impacts of abuses in your life. Doing so limits God’s best for you and your life aspirations. Find ways to start your healing process. Whilst not speaking to experts may not be readily available to you, however, you can begin to take steps towards effective self-healing Christian options like meditation, prayers, scripture declaration immersion, identity in Christ refocusing and retreats.

Mindfulness is a very common and known method of meditation and healing on a mental, emotional and physical level. As Christians, the approach to this is different. Any form of Christian mindfulness should incorporate the word of God as part of the refocusing of yourself with God for healing and restoration. The word of God is spirit and life, not just mere words. As Christians, we have an additional advantage of the spiritual blessings in how that can come upon our limiting efforts to produce results beyond our natural abilities.

Remember, life is not a rehearsal. God always wants you to choose freedom in Jesus Christ. To be free, you have to decide to be 100% responsible for the change you want to see in your life, even though you may be 100% blameless for the life challenges you find yourself facing. As such, be ready for change. As the solution to overcoming life challenges will usually involve a combination of spiritual insights and practical professional skills, on things God will show you to do to surge ahead. As always, remain blessed with divine health and wellbeing.

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