THE EPIDEMIC

THE TRUTH ABOUT ADDICTION

ADDICTION TAKES LIVES

Today, there is an estimated 270 million people worldwide who suffer from addiction. If drug and alcohol abuse were a country, it would be the third largest nation in the world! Over 3.6 million people die from drugs or alcohol each year. That’s approximately 10,000 deaths per day, 420 per hour, and 7 every minute.

The drugs abused are many and dangerous. They are depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogenic substances causing dependence, psychotic behaviors, serious illness, and severe withdrawal symptoms.

Most people struggling with addictions around the world are without any real opportunity for a cure. Where there are those struggling and wanting help, there is a lack of accessible rehabilitation programs. Where there are people who want to help, most don’t have the tools, training, and resources to do so.


ADDICTION DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE

Addiction is a plague to humankind. It afflicts every country of the world and does not discriminate between race, gender, age group, and economic class.

The financial and emotional cost to families, communities, and nations is staggering. Addicted teens are failing school, marriages are falling apart, and men and women are driven to the streets. Drug-related unrest creates at-risk communities and costs a nation hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare, crime, and unemployment.


ADDICTION STEALS HOPE

Drug dependency not only wounds the body, but also the mind and soul. Someone suffering from addiction faces job loss, financial ruin, disconnection from family, and legal problems. As his life spirals out of control, hope fades and despair takes over.

For many, there remain only two paths to relief: continued drug use or death. Drug users are about six times more likely to take their own life than the general population. Without a reason to hope, a life free from addiction is not possible.


Global Teen Challenge employs a holistic, faith-based program that saves lives, restores relationships, and releases life-transforming hope to men and women, boys and girls, around the world.


When a community benefits from a Teen Challenge program

Trained, local leadership reaches out to youth and adults with life-controlling addictions.

People suffering with addictions find support in a warm, caring environment and receive personalized education, faith-based counseling, and life-skills training.

Concerned friends and family members are encouraged as their loved one receives an opportunity for a cure.

Graduates find freedom from drug use, enjoy restored relationships with loved ones, and pursue a healthy and productive life.

Aspiring leaders receive training to open new centers and encourage greater outreach to thousands more lost and broken lives.

Clients meet Jesus and discover life-transforming hope, strength, and purpose through a personal relationship with Him.


Dollars for Change

Every dollar changes the life of a person struggling with addiction.

Every dollar provides a necessary tool, resource, and relationship to see someone suffering with addiction through the most important changes of their life.

Every dollar is a smart investment, transforming families, nations, and generations.