HELP, I think he's doing drugs!
Today, a student asked what to do when you know somebody's son is on drugs. My answer, "Be his friend." You can't help some one have life victories if you're not willing to be part of his life.
What to do when you know somebody is destroying his life:
- Encourage him: Often he knows what he is doing is wrong and feels that help doesn't exist. Light is at the end of the tunnle, even when you don't see it.
- Be honest: I hate it when a nurse takes her time giving me a shot. I know two things about what's taking place. First, it's good for me. Second, it will hurt. So my attitude is, "Let's get this thing over with." You do no one any good by beating around the bush.
- Dig: Generally, a deeper problem exists--bitterness toward a parent, loss of a loved one, or even an improper view of God. Find out what's hurting them and attack that. Getting rid of drugs or self-mutilation will only be a temporary fix if deeper issues exist. Drugs, for instance, is often just like spider webs. You can keep knocking them down, but until you get rid of the spider, the webs keep coming back.
- Motivate: Teams that win are motivated teams. Here in the Upstate of SC, Byrne's football team boasts an unbelievable record. They can't be beaten. Why? Their coach knows how to motivate them. Not just under the lights and in front of the crowds, but in the weight room, on the track, at the practice field, and during off season. People that aren't motivated aren't prepared. People that aren't prepared can't be victorious.
- Celebrate the little things: Victories don't always come in large packages. As a matter of fact, they typically are the smaller, often unnoticed parts of life. Celebrating small victories helps a struggling friend gain momentum, which leads to the Ultimate Victory.
- Point to Christ: The truth remains - life seems vain. However, to live in reality is to live knowing that a Creator exists, wants to commune with you, and loves you. By pointing to Christ, you intensify the encouragement, honesty, deeper meanings, motivation, and celebration. Christ is all. Read Philippians (remember it was written by a man in a Roman jail).
If you know somebody in trouble, don't be afraid to be a friend.
