A difficult conversation: addiction is not a choice

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres in its field. I turned to their website recently to learn more about "opioids" (pronounced: O-pee-oids)... which are a kind of medication that is reported a lot on the news these days. Opioids are a cause of concern in our modern world, and can touch every kind of person... The use of opioids usually begins for positive reasons, prescribed by a doctor to help manage pain following an accident or surgery, for example. Accidents or surgeries that can happen to anyone. But these drugs are so potent, that they can become highly, highly addictive and cause terrible consequences for the person, their family and their community.

This may be an uncomfortable topic for some of us. However, for others, knowing that your local student minister is non-judgemental and caring... well, this may just be a lifeline for some. That's why I'm writing about this today.

When people think of opioids, they may think of "street-drugs" such as heroin or fentanyl. Using these drugs is a good sign to reach out for help. "Opioids" is also the umbrella term for prescribed medications such as oxycodone, morphine or codeine, that people get from the pharmacist. These become a problem when they are used outside the manner or quantity that was prescribed for you. That's also a sign to start reaching out.

"Overdose-related deaths and other harms are affecting our friends, families and communities. Addiction is not a choice. It is a treatable medical condition yet many people affected by addiction face stigma," notes the Canadian Substance Use website. Getting stuck in isolation can add to the problem... whether for yourself or a loved one.

As you all know, I'm a person of faith. And I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor over-using prescriptions, nor an addiction, nor anything else in all creation... nothing can separate us from the love of God. I believe that God is not here to judge us or shame us. God loves us and seeks our healing and wholeness. Our church cares and embraces everyone, to the best of our human ability.

A member of our church passed this opportunity to me to share with you all. Imagine if our little Cressy and North Marysburgh was a place--not of stigma or shunning--but a place of hope, support and non-judgemental care for people facing addiction problems, and for their friends and families. It might not be easy, but each one of us is worth it.

For those inspired, join HPEPH (Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit) at the "HOPE Centre" in Picton on Friday, Aug 26 at 9 a.m. for a FREE #naloxone training course. (Naloxone is a special medicine that stops a fatal opioid overdose). No registration required. This course is open to everyone and anyone who wishes to attend. Questions? Contact HPEPH 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803 ext 620. #harmreduction

If you've read this far, thank you. Difficult conversations... are difficult by their nature. Maybe that's one of the jobs of a minister. To offer ways to face our personal and social challenges in gentle ways. I hope I did okay with that in this message today. It is out of an abundance of care that we can make a difference in each other's lives and in the lives of people who need gentleness the most.

Be well, friends and neighbours, Blessings, From, your student minister, Aaron