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Articles on Substance Abuse
The following articles contain information on the topic of Substance Abuse. We encourage you to contact one of our offices for additional assistance.

Drug, alcohol, and other substance abuse continues to plague all of mankind. Its effects can devastate individuals, families, communities, and nations. The Church continues to be concerned with the improper and harmful use of drugs or similar substances under circumstances which would result in addiction, physical or mental impairment, or in lowering moral standards. Prevention, recognition, and treatment are essential elements in dealing with substance abuse problems. Substance abuse recovery groups supervised by local LDS Family Services agencies are available in some areas. Recovery and healing are ultimately available to all through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

President Ezra Taft Benson said: "I have always felt . . . that the greater blessing of obedience to the Word of Wisdom and all other commandments is spiritual. . . .We give you warning that Satan and his emissaries will strive to entice you to use harmful substances, because they well know if you partake, your spiritual powers will be inhibited and you will be in their evil power "(Ensign, May 1983, 54-55).
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New or recommended articles:

"Tobacco: Quitting for Good"
Understanding the struggles of those addicted to tobacco helps us be more loving and less judgmental in supporting their efforts to escape its grasp.

Brigham, Janet
"Flaxen Threads"
In a devotional address given at Brigham Young University, Elder Carlos E. Asay addresses the relationship between thoughts, actions, habits, and characters and its correlation with the “plasticity” of youth. He states, “If character is truly born of habit--and it is--it is vital that all of us understand the process of habit formation. Not only will this process, if applied, enable us to refine character, but it will also assure us success in our missions in the mission field, at home, at school, or wherever”. He offers several steps to build healthy habits as well as equivalent steps to repentance. If followed, habits formed in the “plasticity” of youth will not deter from future prosperity.

Asay, Carlos E.
"Powerful Cravings, Powerful Motivations"
In giving up tobacco, motivation is of utmost importance. The nature of eternal blessings can provide that motivation. The more smoking-cessation techniques a person uses, the greater the likelihood of success. Help may be obtained from professionals, family, medication, fasting, prayer, and priesthood blessings.

Lindsay, Gordon B.
"A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing"
This guide was written with support from Church leaders and counseling professionals by those who have suffered from addiction and who have experienced the miracle of recovery through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

 Church, Publication/Manual

Additional articles:

"The Scourge of Illicit Drugs" Hinckley, Gordon B.
"Courage to Say No, Q & A" Magazine Staff, Article
"The Beer Facts" Livsey, Laury
"Addiction or Freedom" Nelson, Russell M.
"Wasted" Leavitt, Melvin
"When a Teenager Uses Drugs or Alcohol: How to Cope" Bergin, Sue
"Drunk Again" Lawrence, Ann