I hate the word crackhead. It dehumanizes the humans who need the most. It implies worthlessness, a feeling any addict has more than enough of without our reiteration.
There is a reason we dehumanize people who are depraved. The human being was created in God's image. The intellect, soul and choices a human makes are what he has in common with God. Drug addiction takes away the ability to reason and make choices. I have no doubt that Lucifer has satisfaction in dehumanizing humans. In this, he has destroyed the image of God. If we forget that someone has a soul, Satan has won. If that person forgets, the battle is over.
Drug addicts must be treated with extreme compassion. Jesus healed the sick and fed the hungry. He didn't add more to those with plenty. We like to befriend people with things. We don't identify with homeless or hungry and are uncomfortable around those who represent those fears. We must befriend these people.
You can't get very far reasoning with a drug addict. They will likely agree with you at the moment but forget what you said moments later. They may forget at times that they even saw you. They will forget or not care about appointments and obligations. This is hard to deal with and may cause you to wish to forget about them and do something fun for the rest of your life.
Love them. If you show a drug addict the love of Christ every single time you see them, you are preserving their humanity. You can give positive hopes. You can provide a way out. Praying at a situation rarely produces results. It is your action that demonstrates God's power.
A quick count shows that 90% of the people I made an effort to visit in Louisville were under the influence of illegal drugs at the time of my visit. Drug use is a sign of misery. I should have done more when I lived there and consider it a lesson learned.
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