We live in a world full of bad news, both personal or public. This bad news, whether you like it or not, impacts how you treat yourself and others. This leads many into depression, wondering why the world is so gray and lifeless. It certainly has for me. But by the grace of God, I’m finding my way out. I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and there is a purpose for my time on Earth.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the same outlook as I do. For so many lonely people out there, the only answer for their deep depression is something that seems to make the pain stop, at least for a while – namely the misuse of powerful pain medications. 

The misuse of opioid painkillers is not a new thing. In fact, the 1990s was the first time we saw a real increase in the use of these drugs for “recreational” purposes. Since that time, national overdose death rates have grown to over 107,000 per year, including more than 1,200 in Minnesota. Each of those deaths hides 5, 10, or even 20 close family members and friends whose lives will never be the same because of the death of their loved one. These numbers are tragic for everyone involved. Sadly, Minneapolis is a hotspot for these overdoses especially in recent years.

SOURCE: Minnesota death certificates, Injury and Violence Prevention Section, Minnesota Department of Health, 2011-2021 . NOTE: 2021 data is preliminary and likely to change when finalized. The totals for seven-county and Greater Minnesota do not equal the statewide total because some deaths were missing county of residence.

According to Alpha News, Minneapolis police and first responders are bombarded with overdoses in each 24-hour period, an average of eight cases every day.

In the last 10 months, our state’s largest city has lost 108 people to drug overdoses, and with each new day, that number increases.

The main culprit is fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has become increasingly common due to its potency and affordability. Sadly, even a small amount of fentanyl is enough to cause someone to overdose. It’s a killing drug that has been nicknamed “poison” for good reason.

Why is drug overdose so prevalent in the Twin Cities, and what can we do about it? The reality is that when we lose our view of what really bring meaning and joy, we turn to things that really tear us down. They may appear to bring relief, but they don’t. They heap pain upon pain. Pain for those overdosing, and pain for those losing their loved ones to deadly drugs. It’s clear that these drugs only harm those who use are using them, so what can we offer instead?

 If we want to wage war on this terrible epidemic, we need to work diligently to make everyone aware of the dangers of prescription and non-prescription painkillers. Many addictions start with prescription opioid painkillers like Oxycodone, and then move to street drugs like fentanyl once a pill habit becomes too expensive. If you know of someone who may be taking harmful drugs, be brave enough to intervene. It may save a life.

Even more than all of this, we need to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ – the only thing that can bring true joy and satisfaction in our lives. Without the knowledge of our savior, we are confined to life in the gray, afraid of the future, with nowhere to go but to the bottom of the pill bottle, or to find temporary refuge in other worldly things that ultimately cannot save us. While waging war against drugs is important, spreading the good news about Jesus Christ remains paramount. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He alone can save us from ourselves. Unlike any drug or hobby, He offers us hope and an eternal future.