[wagglebee]

Plenty of people struggle with alcoholism and addiction, most times the outcome is tragic, but that DOES NOT mean that they don’t deserve our compassion and love.

Read the opening portion of Chapter Five of the Gospel of Saint Mark. The “demons” that possessed the man could very easily have been alcohol or drugs. Many alcoholics and addicts go to live outside of where others would live, many cut and hurt themselves without reason, and many are bound and yet burst out to drink or use drugs again. And yet Jesus alone loved this man and because of this he was healed. God DOES NOT give up on ANYONE.

The reality is that Lauren will never use heroin again. She IS NOT dying and she IS NOT incurable and she IS NOT on life support. She needs our love, not our judgment.

[Etixos]

You are very right: alcoholics and addicts need love, not judgement. If you haven't been there, you cannot understand what it is like to be addicted. I was an alcoholic for a good 25 years, and heard many heartbreaking stories while I was in treatment. Heroin is one of the toughest drugs to kick. This young lady may have used heroin, but be assured that heroin used her much harder.

Best,
Etixos

>>>Good night, all.<<<