FIGHTING ADDICTIONS TAKES JESUS, FAITH

In his letter on Oct. 9, 2002, K. Kendrick got part of the solution right
when he said that to beat addictions to alcohol and drugs "takes a whole lot
of effort" and that "we should offer support," but that is where the wisdom
ends.

To compare quitting these addictions to quitting having cancer is absurd.

While there may be some cancers that are self-induced (i.e., lung cancer
caused by smoking), most are not; but alcohol and drug addictions are
self-induced when people choose to take the first drink or first drug. Those
addictions can be overcome by choosing not to take any more and then
sticking to those choices.

People cannot physically remove cancer from themselves like they can remove
alcohol and drugs from themselves. If we can say that "our prisons are full
of people who, aside from their addictions, are law-abiding family oriented
citizens" and that such people should not be incarcerated, then let's be
consistent and say the same about those who are addicted to robbing or
raping or killing.

After all, "aside from their addictions, they are law-abiding family
oriented citizens." All those who are incarcerated need help, but that fact
does not remove the need for incarcerating those who break the law. To say
that "to say that 'Jesus Christ can help you overcome drugs' is silly" is
blasphemous. Any "good Christians" who has become addicted to alcohol or
drugs must repent and instead become addicted to Christ (Galatians 2:20).
Jesus has led "the way to a good rehabilitation center" by giving us His
word in the Bible which, when read and obeyed, provides the best
rehabilitation we can receive (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). He was also willing to
"pay the bill" when He died on the cross, and countless people have already
rightly credited Him with helping them overcome their addictions. As K.
Kendrick rightly said, it "takes a whole lot of effort" to overcome
addictions; but with Jesus on our side and our faith in Him, "I can do all
things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Troy Nicholson
Hendersonville