Wolf seeking Sheep

Yesterday the question "why do people become addicted?" came to mind. How did this epidemic grow so out of control? The addiction crisis in our nation will certainly make the fall of the Roman Empire seem to be a "little trip" if a solution isn’t found the influx of drugs coming through the borders, meth labs in every town and prescription medications taken like candy. It seems like each and every conversation of late contains reference to drugs, abuse, addiction to food, work, sex, or gambling. There is always a story about a friend, relative or celebrity told of how life is out of control with the obsession of some substance or thing. Clicking through each channel on TV shows the prevalent nature of addiction thematic in movies, reality shows and real time news reports.

The SOLUTION to addiction needs a defining realization of WHY people get addicted. I have an idea it is a life felt cry, from out of control people to belong somewhere or to someone. Something or someone hurt them so deeply they were unable to dig themselves out. Why some make it and others don't is the real question here.  The answer lies in communication; openness and a hard look at the failures of schools, governments, media and even the medical field to actually stop the madness.

All of us search for meaning with purpose, and boundaries to live by. Most find peace and belonging through faith, love of family and a place in community. Yet sometimes the very family that was to nurture people crushes them. Others broken by the world or some disaster never gain their balance in a world gone crazy. They are lost sheep out of a pasture, into the wilderness of addictions. A more frightening reality is wolves that prey on the weak making addicts into their cash cows, under the guise of needs being met. This includes gambling and online casinos, all you can eat restaurants, online gaming, pornography, and a list to broad to keep adding.

Tell me. Are you wolf, sheep or shepherd?

The Good Shepherd, Jesus said the greatest of all is to “love one another as you would be loved.” Certainly the root of all need is the feeling to belong, be loved and affirmed. I say we define love this way, then act on it. You see with love, open, honest dialog happens – you know the heart to heart conversation, only then answers can be found and people saved from the madness of addiction. I suggest those who aren't addicts, to be shepherds gathering in the lost sheep from the addiction wilderness. Too often hurt people get lost due to our absence and ignorance.

Addiction is all about secrets: not telling, hiding and denial. Judgment and punishment only makes addicts go further under ground. It’s time to open our eyes to understanding each other. To make therapy for addicts affordable within reason of obtaining freedom from what ails them. The government, the medical and insurance companies have made addiction into the same cash cow, like the predator wolf!

Certainly this issue takes dialog from both sides of the addiction equation. These thoughts let me know why this blog began and the purpose of writing it.  So tell me, are you wolf, sheep or shepherd?