Res. 3-06 — To Encourage Synod to Respond to the Growing Addiction Crisis

WHEREAS, Addiction started with the original sin and the continuing temptation by Satan: “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:5 NIV; see also Prov. 25:28, Matt. 26:41, Heb. 4:14–16); and

WHEREAS, The apostle Paul warns not to sin against one’s body (1 Cor. 6:12 –20), Christians are called to obey civil law, including not purchasing or using illegal drugs (Rom. 13:1– 7, 1 Peter 2:13–17), and this warning was also given by James: “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17); and

WHEREAS, Deaths related to drug overdoses totaled almost 80,000 people in the U.S. in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least two -thirds of drug overdose deaths were linked to opioids (CDC, cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db549.htm); and

WHEREAS, More Americans died in 2024 due to opioid-related overdoses than the highest number of Americans killed in a single year (CDC, cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/releases/20250514.html):

• by gun violence (48,830 in 2021 [CDC, cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html]);

• by vehicular death (54,589 in 1972 [Mot or Vehicle Traffic Fatality Rates, 1899 –2023, cdan.dot.gov/tsftables/Fatalities%20and%20Fatality%20Rates.pdf]);

• by HIV/AIDS (50,000 in 1995 [CDC, cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00046531.htm ]);

• in the combined Vietnam and Iraq Wars (62,651 casualties [Defense Casualty Analysis System, dcas.dmdc.osd.mil/dcas/app/conflictCasualties]); and

WHEREAS, In addition to opioid-related addictions there is an increase in the use of other highly addictive street drugs such as methamphetamine. At the same time, legally obtainable substances are proving addictive. While alcohol use disorder remains high (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-33 health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-34 characteristics), addiction to products such as inhalers and cough medicines, and other over -the-counter substances is increasing. There is also a trend in the availability of Narcan -resistant drugs (Brian Mann, “Historic decline in U.S. overdose deaths threatened by changing street drug supply,” NPR , April 14, 2026, npr.org/2026/04/14/nx -s1-37 5783750/overdose-fentanyl-medetomidine-xylazine); and

WHEREAS, While addiction harms personal mental wellness, and physical well -being, addiction also negatively impacts families and communities, according to the Center for Addiction Research and Effective Solutions (AIR, air.org/sites/default/files/2022-09/Big-Ideas-Housing-Social-Determinants-of-Addiction-August-2022.pdf). Substance abuse and addiction are significant contributing causes for homelessness and incarceration (National Institute on Drug Abuse, nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/criminal-justice); and

WHEREAS, Christians are vocationally called to minister to brothers and sisters in Christ struggling with sin (Gal. 6:1–44 2, James 5:19– 20). God gives hope to all Christians who are struggling, including those dealing with addiction (1 Cor. 10:13, 1 John 2:15–17); and

WHEREAS, Recovery after years of addiction can be a long process; many in recovery often need job training, housing, healthcare, and guidance to obtain work; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Office of National Mission (ONM) investigate ways churches and recognized service organizations can support restoring the hope of Christ to those impacted by addiction (Heb. 6:19 –20). The ONM shall make recommendations based on its investigation and report to the 2029 Synod convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the ONM encourage each district to establish at least one new partnership with a faith -based care ministry for those suffering from addiction by the 2029 Synod convention; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention pray for those suffering from substance abuse and addiction (Rom. 12:11–8 12; Phil. 4:13).