Medications

Dear Victorious,

What do you think of prescription drugs for thing like depression, ADD, ADHD and other maladies that our young people are so often treated for. Can drugs really help a child focus, behave better, etc.? More to the point, is this Biblical?

Yvonee A. - Roseburg, OR

Dear Yvonee,

I think this is one of those gray areas where Christ-followers really need to be prayerful about drawing conclusions or making decisions. Certainly there's a strong argument that drugs are blessings from God. At the same time, they may be masking or trying to treat a physiological problem that is really just a symptom of a spiritual problem.

Depression is a good example. People can suffer from depression due to a chemical imbalance in their body and brain. But spiritual problems can also be a cause of depression. Believing lies or not believing truths are common. Holding onto bitterness and resentments can also be common causes. Just as commonly as spiritual problems, our diets can contribute to such problems. ADD, ADHD, and other issues have been documented as being brought on by some of the things we eat (usually in processed foods, etc.)

So here's what I would recommend. If you find yourself suffering from symptoms of such things (as depression, ADHD, etc.) investigate the spiritual problems. Investigate other physiological factors, such as the foods you eat. And of course, pray. Ask God to reveal to you the truth about the situation. Ask God about what the doctor is telling you. Seek His will in the matter.

I've known many people who were on drugs for depression or anxiety, for example. When we dealt with their spiritual issues, they no longer needed drugs to treat these problems. But ... they didn't stop taking the medication until after they'd dealt with the spiritual issues and prayed about that decision.