MY ANSWER / BILLY GRAHAM

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: For the first time, our family wasn't together over
Christmas, and it about broke my heart. Our daughter (who's 16)
wasn't with us because she's in a court-ordered drug rehab program.
Why do young people get so messed up with drugs? I don't think she
realized what she was getting into until it was too late. --A.M.

DEAR A.M.: People get involved with drugs for many reasons -- seeking
a new thrill, escaping from a problem, rebellion, boredom and so
forth. The same is true with alcohol.

But you're right: Many young people do get involved in drugs without
fully realizing what they're doing. Teenagers want to fit in with the
crowd -- and if their crowd is experimenting with drugs, they may
give in and experiment also. Peer pressure is a very powerful force
at that age, because they don't want to appear odd or out of step.
But many illegal drugs are very addictive, and before they realize
it, they're hooked. This is why I urge parents not only to talk to
their children about drugs, but also to warn them about the dangers
of following the wrong crowd. The Bible says, "He who walks with the
wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm" (Proverbs
13:20). It also warns, "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good
character'" (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Pray for your daughter, and let her know that you love her and want
to do everything you can to help her. In addition, urge her to put
her life into Christ's hands, and to look to Him for the help she
needs. God loves her (and you as well), and when we have Christ in
our hearts we can face the future with hope.