They have done so in past and, no doubt, will continue to do so in the future. Those expressions of what are appropriate faith responses, especially in a pluralistic society, are not easy to discern. Believers need to develop respect for those who come to different conclusions about their faith in relationship to the world in which they live. Dr. Holmes' jingoistic triumphalism is not helpful. Treatment and rehabilitation, together with the best efforts of this talented, intelligent, courageous man gave him periods of remission and hope, but still never allowed him to live the rest of his life clean and free.
Addiction is a cunning, baffling and powerful killer.
But thousands of our own neighbors and relatives successfully recover from addiction in the long term and go on to live happy, productive and purposeful lives, one day at a time. Joe Gilliam's death must not be used as evidence against treatment and funding for treatment for addiction, because treatment does work. All rights reserved. Click here for Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.