Why do some seek a temporary high? The short answer is that they are trying to fill a void in their lives. They go to a wrong source in hope they can fix or better cope with whatever they’re going through.

Recently news outlets here in Ohio published a photo of a man and woman passed out in the front seat of their car. Their backseat passenger was very alert, awake and alone—he was the 4-year-old grandson of the unconscious woman!

The safety director in Cleveland, Ohio, who released the photo said he and others wanted to send a strong message to addicts. They should find safe places for their children when using debilitating drugs. I can add to that: The adults need to seek help!

Seek God and a personal relationship with Him. Don’t go for a temporary fix that will only get worse and wreak havoc on you, your family and others.

More than 30 million Americans are currently struggling with substance abuse or alcoholism. Fatalities, traffic accidents and injuries related to substance abuse take thousands of lives each year, not to mention the accidental overdoses that occur more frequently among prescription drug addicts. Early in 2016 my son-in-law lost a distant cousin and her husband. They were hit head-on by a man who was drunk and going the wrong way on the interstate.

In August, Cincinnati police saw a staggering 200 overdoses. Eight people could not be saved. Besides those who die from overdoses, there are other victims—children, like this 4-year-old—who reap, arguably, much worse consequences. Children who face being taken away from their parents or, if not taken away, being abused, neglected or exposed to harmful drugs themselves.

One 3-month-old from Dayton, Ohio, was born addicted to heroin and spent his first month in a neonatal intensive care unit. The infant was on a morphine drip for that first month. What a terrible way to start life!

In many instances, children who end up in foster care are from drug-addicted parents who can no longer care for them. Many grandparents and other relatives have to take on this additional responsibility.

This problem is not limited to the United States. The problem of alcoholism and drug abuse is rampant in countries around the world.

Looking for a way out

Why does this happen? Because people are looking for an easy way out or a form of escape, not thinking how the people around them will be affected, including their children.

Recovery Connection lists 10 reasons people abuse drugs. Four that affect young and old alike are:

• Feelings of emptiness.  People are looking to fill a void.

• Experimentation. Sometimes people are just looking for an escape from boredom, so they experiment with drugs to get a temporary high.

• These can make you feel good for a while. They can help you relax from the temporary pressure of life.

• Peer pressure. Everyone wants a sense of belonging, and some think drugs or alcohol can help in this.

While working on this article, I talked with Don, one of our delivery men. Don walks with a limp. I never knew why until our recent conversation. He told me that in 1993 he was hit by a drunk driver. His neck was broken, and he lost part of his leg. He is in pain every single day. Don is a victim of someone seeking a temporary fix, a temporary high, with no thought of anyone else.

Because of so many overdoses occurring, police, teachers and workers in the medical field are supplied with Narcan, an antidote that can often revive a victim after an overdose.

This temporary measure may save a life, but it’s no solution. Don told me that he knew a man who worked in an emergency room that treated overdoses. One night they revived an overdose victim, and no sooner had the doctor turned his back than the patient already started trying to shoot up again for his next high.

Where to turn for help

While people will need treatment to overcome this drug and alcohol addiction, the real fix is turning to God for help. He is the only One who can truly fill the emptiness and heal the broken lives. If you have a problem with drugs, do seek professional help, but turn to God for complete emotional healing. His fix is not temporary!

Without Him we are incomplete. Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

All the things you use to fill the void—drugs, material possessions, whatever else—will never make you complete. It is only as good as your next high. Fill your empty hearts with God! Lay down those temporary fixes. Of course get the professional help you need, but do so while seeking God’s help above all. Do it for the sake of your family, your friends and yourself! 

Here is the number for American Addiction Centers, experts in addiction treatment: (888) 970-8544. For those residing in countries outside the United States, you can find local help and support agencies listed on the Internet. Get help today!