loving the addict

I've been watching the show Intervention. The show about individuals struggling with addiction. Addictions to street drugs, prescription drugs, pornography, self-mutilation, and alcohol.

I'm watching it because it intrigues me. The mind of an addict. The way their past influences their present. As a nurse, I work with addicts all of the time. People detoxing from alcohol, withdrawing from methamphetamine, and even those who deny they have a problem.

As a fairly new nurse, I was manipulated into bringing them what they want; more drugs. Believing they are in the worst pain of their life, and calling the doctor to advocate for them. It is my job; to do whatever medically safe and possible to relieve a patient of pain and suffering.

But as time has passed, I have learned. My "innocent, young adult" threshold is no longer a low one. My intolerance threshold has also lessened over the years of dealing with the addict. When my patients set alarms on their phones to wake them up on the MINUTE that their next "AS NEEDED" pain medication is due, I wrestle with anger. I feel as though sometimes I am their supplier. And, I hate that.

I am not a drug dealer.


This show, Intervention, has taught me so much. It has opened my eyes to feel for the individuals. They have a story. Let me be clear, they have no excuse, but they have a story. As I watch their family and friends pour out their hearts during the actual intervention, my heart aches. It aches for the boy or girl, man or woman, that struggles with the addiction. It aches for their parents, spouses, children, and relatives.

When I see them nod their head, or whisper softly, "Yes, I'll go," I celebrate with their loved ones. Deep down, I know Jesus was in that. Regardless of the faith of the individual or their family, I know Jesus is in that. Only He can bring freedom. He brings freedom even when we don't believe in Him. He brings freedom even when He's rejected. He brings hope because that is what He IS.

Jesus is in the ugly. I propose that just MAYBE, He is so deep in the ugly of this world that we, in our self-conscious pride, refuse to acknowledge that it's where He is; calling us there, too. To join Him in the fight for acceptance of the freedom He offers those trapped in bondage.

Friend, He is in the ugly that is so deep inside of you that even you do not know about. Trust me, I'm living the lesson and seeing it for what it is. The deeper I go, the more I seem to find Him in the middle of it.

Hope. He is hope. He is real. For me, for you, and for the addict. He loves the addict. He wants me to love the addict. He wants you to love the addict. So you can show them Him.