This week we received some heartbreaking news, the loss of a young male relative to an overdose of Heroin. He had been struggling as many do but was unable to win the battle. My heart immediately broke for him, his parents and his siblings. I know so many who have fought the battle against drugs or alcohol and many have won. Yet, when the battle is lost there are no words.
I recently spoke with some family members who have teenagers about how their behavior is so different when they become teens. They don’t want to listen, talk or do what is asked. I think this is true for the majority of preteens and teens. I know I was one of them (sorry Mom and Dad). So my husband and I decided that maybe talking to our kids now when they are listening is the way to go.
So when my boys (8 and 9) got home from school I told them we needed to talk. I had my sunglasses still on from being outside and my older son thought it was to hide my tears. It went something like this; I told them that a distant family member died from drugs. The young man was about the same age as their uncle. This made it more relatable. “When you get older you may or may not meet people or have so-called ‘friends’ who want you to ‘try’ something. It may be drugs, alcohol or cigarettes. It will be made to look cool. You may be made to feel uncool if you don’t try it. However, by trying it your body may act like it likes it until it no longer has it. Then the cycle begins. Your body then thinks it NEEDS it. If you don’t have it you get really sick. So you try to get it.”
I explained that it may start with kids who take their mommy or daddy’s medicine when they aren’t supposed to. “When you have surgery (like mommy did when she had them) the doctor gives you medicine for the pain. You are only supposed to take the medicine when you are in pain. When the pain stops you are not supposed to take more. If you take the medication when the doctor hasn’t told you to your body reacts differently. Your body may want more and what happens when there is no more? That is when the kids learn about Heroin because it can be easier to get and can cost less money. BUT it can also kill you.
When I was a kid we were not faced with these temptations. Heroin and Crack seemed to be only for rich people or famous people but times have changed. I want you to know how much we (and God) love you and how much drugs can ruin your life. You lie, cheat, steal and can go to jail for the drugs. Once you have been in jail that can affect you the rest of your life. You may not see the effect now but when you meet the girl you want to marry and start a family with you may not be able to get the right job to support your new family.
I won’t be there with you when you are tempted but I hope you remember now. My tears are those of love and fear. We love you with all our heart and life wouldn’t be the same without you in it. Never forget that.”
God, please be with this family who lost their loved one so young. Help them through this unimaginable time. Help all those who are facing addictions of any kind. Be by the side of those who are about to be tempted for the first time. Help them to realize it isn’t worth it. Watch over all those who are struggling and all those who love them.
resources:
The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources
National Institute on Drug Abuse
copyright 2015 Sheila M Scarpulla . All rights reserved. No reproduction without written consent
What is a Cornerstone retreat?
