Christmas message of joy needs no quick fix

WHILE the surge in drug-related deaths is recent, your news feature headlined ‘White Might’ (December 17) shows our love affair with drugs is not. We live to party. The desire to fit in, to be sociable and, above all, to have fun can be realised through drugs. We convince ourselves no one will be hurt.

Our desires are very powerful and yearn to be fulfilled. Drugs temporarily satisfy these desires, and this is where their devastating power lies. The pleasure fades, driving us to seek more. Telling people about the dangers of drugs will only deter some. So what could keep us from drugs and give us a fulfilled life of purpose that is truly worth living?

Is a life with meaning to be found in our families, in loving relationships, in experiencing nature? But the beautiful sunset is only a memory, our relationships disappoint us and sometimes fail, and our children grow up too quickly.