Music lovers all over the world were stunned over the weekend when news broke of the tragic, untimely death of legendary singer Whitney Houston. While the official cause of death is still pending, it appears the 48-year-old Ms. Houston may have lost her battle against the demon that had overwhelmed her life for the past two decades — drug and alcohol addiction. By her own admission, Ms. Houston had abused cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and pills.

Addiction is a powerful force. It can grab hold of you and refuse to let you go. It will change your life and send you into a fast downward spiral. Before you know it, your entire life is out of control. While it is true that an individual must truly “want” to be free of addiction in order to successfully be treated, we all have a responsibility as family, friends, colleagues and employees to assist the addicted in getting the help they so desperately need.

We deal with the devastation of addiction every day here at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). We offer detoxification and substance abuse treatment, regardless of an individual’s economic status. In the late 1960s, the Detroit Rescue Mission recognized that drug and alcohol abuse were increasing among disadvantaged men and women on the streets of Detroit. Addiction was destroying lives and families. That is why DRMM became one of the first non-profit organizations to provide 30- to 90-day in-patient substance abuse treatment to people without insurance. Today, on the eve of our organization’s 103rd birthday, we are the 13th largest treatment program in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

A supportive environment is necessary for individuals to overcome addiction. They shouldn’t be surrounded by “enablers” who never say no or who encourage negative behavior. To maintain sobriety, a person needs incredible support from family, friends and the church. Aftercare and group meetings are vital for relapse prevention.

We extend our condolences to the family of Whitney Houston. Her angelic voice broke sales and awards records during the peak of her career, securing her place in musical history. Ms. Houston got her singing start in the church, and we know she must be singing for God once again.

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”