What is more, a growing literature on female addicts shows that they are not much like their male counterparts. Meanwhile the survey demonstrated that overall illegal drug use among both girls and women rose from 5.8 to 6.3 percent between 20 as the rate for boys and men dipped from 10.4 to 9.9 percent. Louis in a 2008 study.Īnd in a reversal of past trends, teenage girls are now trying marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes at higher rates than boys are, according to recent results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Indeed, drinking and alcohol dependence have grown increasingly prevalent among women in recent decades, but not among men, reported psychiatrist Richard A. Thus, far more is known about drug dependence in men than in women, and treatment programs and centers have been based on the needs of men.īut there are signs that the gender gap is closing, as drug and alcohol use have become more socially acceptable for girls and women. Men are far more likely to use illicit substances, and partly for that reason, research on addiction for decades included only male users. “That’s true,” the chaplain said with a slight smile, adding, “But let’s get him to quit killing people first.ADDICTION has long been considered a man’s disease. The visiting minister sniffed a bit and said, “We’d better get him to quit smoking.” The chaplain pointed to a man leaning against the prison yard fence, and smoking. The evangelist asked if he could meet any of the new converts. As they made their way to the chapel, he told the minister about God’s moving at the prison and how a number of inmates had come to personal faith in Jesus as a result. The chaplain met him at the gate and got him signed in. I can’t remember the source, but I suspect that it has “made the rounds” of anecdotal stories used by preachers.Īn evangelist was scheduled to hold services at a prison. So what is the answer? To me, it’s become a matter of perspective and much more than a simple yes or no bumper sticker mentality decision when dealing with people in need.Ī story I heard many years ago addresses the issue well. She wrote, “It’s an addiction that is hard to overcome.”ĭavid agreed, writing “Being a smoker, I know how it is to crave a cigarette when you don’t have one. Lisa said she’s a smoker and while she knows it’s a bad habit, there’s more to it than that. Well, Annette, that’s true, and while I’m not a smoker and agree about the terrible health consequences of smoking, let’s remember that our American diet is killing us also. Santiago agreed, saying that smoking is not a need, but a bad habit. I don’t give money, but I have no problem buying someone a meal.” He added, “If he wants something go work for it. Joey had a different perspective, commenting that smoking is a need not a want. But the giver is obligated to help when he can.”Ĭaserina agreed, writing “When you choose to give, it is not for anyone to say what they buy. The giver isn’t responsible for what the receiver does with it. Veteran missionary Tom Terry had some thoughtful insight, writing “I learned when living in Mongolia that many people smoked because it helped them feel warmer in the sub-zero climate. Nancy said she would help out with a smoke, saying “Some very godly men I’ve known of were smokers.” Not everyone understands, but there are alcoholics out there that have died from a lack of alcohol.” She said she would even give alcohol to “an alcoholic who is sick. Susan said as a former smoker she would help if she could. Katie Ann agreed, saying that for her honesty is key.

Manny told about a man in Portland he had seen holding a sign reading, “Why lie? I need a beer.” Manny gave him enough money for a six pack. Manny was very clear in his response, writing “Oh heck yeah, if he told me the truth for what he needed.” She added, “I have given a pack of smokes with a lighter to someone who asked for just one cigarette, along with a Snickers bar. Maureen said she would, because “When you are struggling and homeless there are very few comforts that you can have.” The responses were interesting, and varied. “Yes, he is smoking… We all have our vices-but some are ‘acceptable.’ Would you give him a dollar if he were honest in saying he needed a cigarette and needed to buy some smokes? Why or why not?”

With that in mind, I posed this question. Smoking is becoming increasingly unacceptable in American society, but after seeing a picture of one of our Lifeline of Hope clients smoking, I wondered what our Facebook friends thought about it.

We all have our vices, but some are “acceptable.”

Quit all vices