FGG-184 A Shame Too Great

This past month, I began my 13th year in jail ministry. We have seen many changes over these past 12 years. The single biggest change is the number of inmates addicted to heroin. A large percentage of people our ministry team sees on weekly basis have a substance abuse disorder.

What are the reasons many don’t seek treatment? Why does arrest and incarceration have to happen before treatment begins?  In this podcast Tony discusses the shame of addiction.

 Scripture: “No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13

Reflections: What can we do to help the addicted deal with shame?  Do you understand that addiction is an illness? How can we show compassion for the addicted?