Drugs- The Ultimate Counterfeit
Drugs. A lot of people use drugs. A lot of really good people use drugs. The more clients I see for drug abuse the more I’m coming to understand something. And I want to share what I’m coming to understand.
People desire to be happy. They want to enjoy their life. They want to feel good. They want relief from pain and suffering, stress and trauma. And, they want a way to connect with God, or to the Divine within themselves.
Drugs provide a way for all of these things to happen. And it happens quickly and powerfully. One quick snort of Crack and they’re on their way to bliss and freedom. One joint of marijuana or shot of heroine and the struggles of life are miles away.
Many clients have expressed to me how wonderful they feel and how much love they experience for themselves and others when under the influence of various drugs. They talk about how good it is to forget about their struggles, grief, or pain. They tell me how close to God they feel and how purely intense the love and light is that washes through them.
Drugs can take us to the bliss, the love, the freedom, and even to the feeling of being with God that we long for. The problem is, they offer only a counterfeit. They offer a quick peek into what’s available without the ability to let us stay. And they give us this peek at a very high cost.
Using drugs disconnects us from our life. It can bring financial ruin and destroy our health. It can tear apart families and friendships. It can end careers and mutilate our chances for success in every area of our life. By engaging in the counterfeit experience of bliss and escape, a person robs himself of the ability to create the authentic experience of healing, connection, and spiritual growth that comes through meditation, prayer, interpersonal relationships, and service to others.
But, the counterfeit is appealing. It’s quick. It’s now. It feels so good. It’s instant gratification for the child within that’s screaming in pain and demanding relief.
A drug user doesn’t need punishment. They don’t need to be thrown in jail. They don’t need to be criticized or judged as evil or bad. They. Need. Love. They need help. They need someone to teach them how to access their broken and hurting child within. They need to learn to hold that inner child, to teach that child that there’s a better way and to help that child heal.
Our country doesn’t need more prisons. It needs more healing centers and healers. If, as a country, we devoted more money and educational opportunities to emotional health and healing, we would thrive.
Until the “War on Drugs” is fought only with love, it will never be won.