“Mom, you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s worth a lot of money!”

Ann opened the bag and turned it upside down. Its contents floated into the water and swirled down the drain. She jumped as she heard Brian slam the wall with his fist before stomping away.

Leaning against the cold tile, she faced reality. She had had suspicions. His attitude and even his personality had changed recently. Even with her suspicions, however, she was still devastated when she found drugs in Brian’s room.

Later that evening Ann and her husband prayed together for God’s guidance. They knew this was a serious matter that needed to be dealt with immediately and wisely. After praying, they decided to make an appointment for Brian and themselves with a Christian counselor they knew.

If someone close to you is involved in drugs, begin with prayer for that person and for God’s wisdom in your role. Encourage the loved one to get help from a counselor, support group, or rehab center. Continue to be supportive and loving as he or she struggles to be free of the bondage of a powerful addiction. Though the road to healing may be long, and you both may feel at times like freedom from addiction is impossible, remind yourself and your loved one that with God everything is possible (Luke 18:27).