“How should we deal with friends who are on drugs?” New Era, May 1971, 33–34
“How should we deal with friends who are on drugs? How do we help them?”
Answer/Brother Victor L. Brown, Jr.
Be wisely cautious but loving. Perhaps this sounds confusing, but the drug scene is both dangerous and confusing.
There is a difference between drug experimenters and drug abusers. Many young people in contemporary society tamper with drugs, which is foolish but fortunately temporary. Others go much further and become addicted both to the drug and to the culture of drug users.
You can help them most by setting an example of strong, healthy, Christian living. The central figure of Christianity is Jesus Christ, who loved all of us. You can demonstrate love without judging and without condemning the tragedy of improper drug use.
Some specifics might be:
1. Look for the better qualities in your associates. Don’t condemn them because they dress differently or have unusual ideas.
2. Demonstrate in your daily life the rewards of straight living, such as good health, happiness, peace, and accomplishment.
3. Never agree with the improper use of drugs. Speak against it firmly and intelligently.
4. Do not attempt to “treat” drug abusers. Encourage them to go to those who know how to help, such as their bishop, doctor, school counselor.
5. Remember that drug use and abuse are symptoms of the unrest and confusion in our world. Stronger families, moral living, better education, and a more Christlike society are the solutions to the drug crisis.
6. Remember that the drug abuser, one who is addicted, often supports his habit by theft or robbery or other illegal means. Do not get trapped by unwise involvement in this type of behavior.
7. Be very cautious with drug abusers, because they often lie with great skill. They have had to learn this to cover up their habit.
The drug user or the drug abuser is a child of our Father in heaven. Consequently, he is to be loved, not rejected. He has his free agency, which means that you can only help up to the point where he must take over and change on his own. If he does not want to change, there is little you can do. If he does want to change, then your consistent but intelligent love, interest, and support may make the difference between his success or failure.