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.