I help drug addicts get clean…but they often relapse. Here’s what it’s teaching me about God’s grace

Working at a drug detox centre certainly has it’s challenges, says DB Ryen. But it’s taught him more about forgiveness and second chances than he ever thought possible

Early on in my medical career, I worked at a detox centre, where people addicted to drugs and alcohol went to get clean. Most left before they were sober but, for those that stayed, we tried to get them on the road to recovery. The easy part was managing their withdrawal symptoms. Hangovers, tremors, nausea, sweating - dopesick in their lingo - are all treatable with anti-nauseants, anti-inflammatories and mild sedatives. It’s the next bit that’s far trickier. Without drugs and alcohol, all their mental health issues surge to the surface.  

Nearly everyone who abuses substances has severe psychiatric issues. In fact, most use drink or drugs just to feel normal, to escape the trauma they’ve suffered. Often they struggle with anxiety and PTSD. Many are depressed; some are bipolar. We even see the occasional schizophrenic. As they sober up, they become more, not less, psychotic. Turns out crystal meth is a half-decent antipsychotic medication, keeping intrusive voices at bay.