When Substances Control

What are the progressive stages of drug addiction, especially as it plays out in the life of a teenager? My oldest son has been exhibiting some strange behavior lately, and I'm worried that he may be getting involved with some form of drug abuse. Can you provide me with any helpful hints and clues?

Teen Challenge USA is a faith-based facility that helps individuals of all ages overcome life-controlling problems and addictions. View our site for more.

The Lighthouse Network, provides a 24/7 helpline and online life-growth resources for those struggling with addiction or psychological issues. Through this service, we help them find peace, joy, and freedom.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered program with foundations firmly established in Biblical truth. The 12 Steps with accompanying Scriptures and the 8 Principles based on the Beatitudes offer participants a clear path of salvation and discipleship; bringing hope, freedom, sobriety, healing, and the opportunity to give back one day at a time through our one and only true Higher Power, Jesus Christ. The 12 Steps and the 8 Principles work seamlessly together, tying historical recovery to timeless Biblical teaching.

Do you know an alcoholic? Studies show that nearly everyone in the United States has a friend or family member who struggles with alcohol addiction. About 10 percent of Americans are alcoholics and each of those 20 million people directly affects the lives of at least six others. So how can you help the person you love who is struggling with alcoholism?

Walter Hoving Home is a non-profit organization serving women ages 18 and over who have been involved in drug addiction, alcoholism, prostitution and other life-controlling problems. The 6 or 12 month program is geared to rebuilding broken lives in an atmosphere of warmth, trust, support and love.

Mac Owen and his wife, Mary, discuss their turbulent past marked by his hard core drug addiction, and how they came to experience God's grace and healing, which has not only restored their lives but has led to a recovery ministry for addicts and their family members. (Part 1 of 2)

“He's got a drinking problem."

"I've got a problem with drugs."

People often use those phrases to describe drug addiction or alcoholism. It’s an attempt to define addiction by a single issue, and you can't fault anyone for that. But as a recovered addict, let me tell you something: Defining addiction this way doesn't really make sense to those in active addiction.

Drug abuse affects almost every family in some way. There are often underlying reasons tied to why someone uses and abuses drugs. You are not alone. There is hope and help in overcoming substance abuse and addiction. Check out our free eBook for information and help to overcome substance abuse for you or how to help someone you know.

Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.

In 16 years of directing a college counseling center, I saw hundreds of students struggling with depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and most anything else you can imagine. They all had something in common—none of them wanted to tell an adult.

Each day there are more people enslaved by a broader array of substances and activities. To sexual obsessions, add illegal drugs, then the prescription narcotics, then gaming, and there are more to come. As the church, we want to draw out fresh insights from Scripture, and move toward the enslaved. Here are some strategies to help.

If you have a family member or friend trapped in the throes of addiction, you know enduring pain. One of the most devastating realities of addiction is that it inflicts collateral damage on loved ones — the people trying to help the most end up being hurt the most.

As America legalizes the use of marijuana, the question becomes inescapable: Is it permissible for a Christian to use pot for recreational purposes?

Biblical counselor Mark Shaw explains how pastors and church leaders can identify and help those in the congregation with drugs or alcohol addictions.

Mercy Multiplied equips all people to live free and stay free through Jesus Christ with a residential counseling program and Outreach services.

“We are working tirelessly to save lives, serve more victims and/or survivors, and ultimately, put an end to impaired driving.”

Healthy communication at home is the best means of setting your teens down the path to a promising future free of alcohol and drug abuse.

Overcomers Outreach is an international network of Christ-centered 12 Step support groups which ministers to individuals, their families and loved ones who suffer from the consequences of any addictive behavior.

The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center programs provide spiritual, social and emotional assistance.

If you have suspicion, you probably have a pretty good reason. Be on the lookout for the following opioid addiction red flags. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.

In The Last Addiction, Sharon explores why we are prone to addiction to make one thing in our lives more central than it should be and how we can break free of our compulsions.

Begin your recovery at American Addiction Centers (AAC), the leading provider for addiction treatment nationwide, which specializes in evidence-based treatment and mental healthcare services.

NIDA's mission is to advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health. NIDA is one of the National Institutes of Health.