Pubdate: Fri, 07 May 2010
Source: Leduc Representative (CN AB)
Copyright: 2010 Osprey Media
Contact: http://www.leducrep.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx
Website: http://www.leducrep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2265
Author: Grant McDowell
Column: Soul Search

HOW CAN A COMMUNITY COMBAT THE DRUG MARKET?

How can a community take away the market for drugs? The question 
introduces another: why do people use illegal drugs or misuse 
prescription drugs?

Younger people often use drugs in an attempt to find acceptance with 
peers. As one said, "It's all about belonging."

At some level, everyone wants to belong, be accepted, be needed. 
Although maturity ought to reduce anxiety about fitting in, and 
increase desire to serve others, older people also want a place to belong.

Adults who turn to drugs may do so to temporarily quiet the nagging 
thoughts that say they do not matter. Even a bold face and a loud 
mouth may hide a frightened, lonely soul.

At the same time, one should not treat as helpless victims those who 
depend on substances in order to find courage.

Rather, one ought to expect them to take responsibility to move 
toward becoming the persons they were created to be.

Addiction and substance abuse are complex issues and we do not mean 
to apply a simplistic solution.

Yet, we must think about the opening question - how can a community 
take away the market for drugs?

Since belonging is a powerful, driving force, we can help diminish 
the market for drugs through consistently applying one simple 
principle - mentoring.

Mentoring is a relationship in which one person reaches out to and is 
available to another in order to help him or her become all God 
created, called and gifted him or her to be.

Mentors do not set the agenda for those they mentor. Instead, mentors 
listen well and pay attention to dreams and struggles.

Mentors are examples, sounding boards, encouragers, guides, and 
sometimes teachers and experts. Mentors lead others through 
individual relationships, small groups, and organizational change. 
And as citizens who reduce the need for drug use, mentors help others 
belong. They include others who are left out; they risk rejection in 
order to build bridges.

Almost anyone can be a mentor in some way. One dreams of a culture of 
mentoring where people risk emotional security, invest time, and 
share something of themselves with others. And while mentors do not 
impose their agendas on their mentored partners, neither do they walk 
away when those they mentor make mistakes.

Their impact goes far beyond reducing the market for drugs, but as 
this article is concerned with drugs, we see powerful potential in mentoring.

The groundwork for a culture of mentoring already exists in church 
youth groups, community groups, schools, and sports teams. Volunteer 
leaders, coaches, sponsors, and civic workers as well as political 
leaders shape the community as a place where mentoring makes a difference.

Many organizations already offer opportunities for those who would be 
mentors. Yet, effective mentors also give themselves outside of 
useful, existing structures.

Jesus Christ taught his followers the power of overcoming evil with 
good. Imagine the good that results from a community committed to 
mentoring people toward their spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and 
physical potential.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom