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Since founding a new nonprofit ministry focused on the prevention of addiction and life improvement, the reasons for doing what I now do have been profoundly validated.
STEPS Ministries has reached thousands of people with social media, articles, and radio. I’ve talked with thousands more through events, the blog, and other communications. I’ve met with hundreds one-on-one about addiction and the life-changing promise of prevention.
After all that, the things that stick with me the most are:
- The addiction problem is profoundly deep (people dying) and broad (number affected).
- Prevention and recovery are not only possible, but probable, with the right approach.
- The tragedy is most people are not aware, and we’re not doing enough on prevention.
These declarations have been validated in two powerful ways: by the facts and the stories.
The Depth of the Problem: The “Broken-Hearted”
The Facts
38,000 people per year (100 a day) die of drug overdose in the U.S.
That’s more than motor vehicle accidents, homicides, and suicides.
An additional 80,000 (220 a day) die from alcohol-related issues.
The Stories
- Parents who lost a son or daughter to drugs who feel a heartbreak beyond understanding, one they will carry with them forever.
- People who have seen friends, siblings, parents, or other family members die way too soon, and who continue to wonder if it could have somehow been prevented.
- The End Heroin Bham Walk with thousands of people grieving—and honoring—someone they cared deeply about who was stricken with addiction.
The Breadth of the Addiction Problem: The “Fearful”
The Facts
40 million Americans age 12 and over meet clinical criteria for addiction.
That’s more than heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases.
80 million people are risky users both for themselves and others.
The Stories
- Parents who are scared to death as they struggle to know how to deal with the teenager they are now so deeply worried about.
- Fearful spouses with no idea what to do with their husband or wife who isn’t the same person anymore, so they live each day in fear and sadness.
- Virtually everyone, because most people are worried about some family member, friend, or coworker and wonder if there is something they could do to help.
Addiction is Preventable and Treatable: The “Victorious”
The Facts
Tens of millions of Americans have overcome alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
Only 14% of people aged 55-to-59 abuse drugs versus those 18-to-25.
Relapse rates are similar as diabetes, asthma, and blood pressure.
The Stories
- Ex-heroin addicts who are some of the happiest and most caring people I ever met.
- Former alcoholics who are delighted to be in recovery, and who are incredibly humble and grateful for the blessings that life brings them each day.
- Hundreds of transformed people I’ve met living life better than before their addiction!
More Prevention is Desperately Needed: The “Unaware”
The Facts
90% of the people struggling with addiction won’t get help.
9 out of 10 people with addiction started using before age 18.
More than 75% of people with addictions are employed full-time.
The Stories
- Business people and pastors who haven’t considered that many of the people they are charged to look after might have an addiction problem they could do something about.
- Parents naively confident and proud that addiction could never happen in their family.
- Many people in denial of their addiction because their lives have not come apart—yet.
The Facts and the Stories Must Lead to Action
On this issue, it’s worth repeating the critical points for emphasis, so I’ll close where I started:
- The addiction problem is profoundly deep (people dying) and broad (number affected).
- Prevention and recovery are not only possible, but probable, with the right approach.
- The tragedy is most people are not aware, and we’re not doing enough on prevention.
The facts and the stories tell us a lot about the tragedy of addiction and the breakthrough opportunity with prevention. And they lead us to some key questions, such as: “When is all this going to change?” And most importantly: “What are you going to do about it?”
Question: Which of the facts and the stories above are most compelling to you?
Action: Think of what you can do to help people suffering from addiction and their families. Email me at stevecward@lifeimprovementsteps.com and I can help you figure that out.
