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How can I help a family member who is heavily involved in alcohol and drug use?

First you need to realize that you cannot change anything about this situation, only Jesus can! He has the power to break addictions, loosen strongholds and set people free from bondage. He can also heal depression and bring hope to the hopeless. John 8:36 proclaims, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."

The next step is to help your loved one believe in those truths. There are a few things that you can do. First of all, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (Jas. 5:16). If you are a Christ follower, then you have, through your prayers, the power described above. The next thing you need to do is to live as Christ. It is so powerful when a struggling person recognizes the love of Christ coming through the life of another. Again, if you have known Christ's love, share it. Lastly, you can utilize outside sources like a pastor, a counselor, or printed materials. Jeffery Van Vonderen wrote, "Good News for the Chemically Dependent: How a Healthy Family Can Help Free a Loved One From the Bonds of Addiction." Pray that God will guide you as you reach out to this person.

The most important thing in any life--yours as well--is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Everyone has sinned (Rom. 3:23) but Jesus will forgive all of our sins if we go to Him in repentance (1 Jn .1:9). Before you reach out in support of your loved one, be sure that you have taken care of your own spiritual needs. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, do that now. He will then empower you with what you need to help your loved one according to His purposes.