While there, Tonga started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Today, he says that this study helped him turn his life around.

“This association with others who were trying to please God helped me to resist temptations,” Tonga says in the article titled, “My Life Was Spiraling Out of Control”.

The number of people using drugs around the world and living with drug disorders is skyrocketing, according to a new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Over 296 million people used drugs in 2021, an increase of 23% over the previous decade, according to the report. The number of people who suffer from drug use disorders rose to 39.5 million, a 45% increase over 10 years.

However, there is hope for those who are battling drug related issues. “I greatly appreciate how the Bible helped me not to give up,” says Aubrey Goodson from Lilongwe. “One of the videos on jw.org that left a lasting impression on my heart is ‘Rewarded for Persevering’. The video complemented the Bible-based instruction and helped me to develop the courage to change my lifestyle and break free from drugs.”

Notably, the World Drug Report 2023 states that “youth populations are the most vulnerable to using drugs and are also more severely affected by substance use disorder in several regions. In Africa, 70% of people in treatment are under the age of 35.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses provide free resources for those fighting drug addiction on their official website, jw.org, including content for teens and young adults. The article “How Can I Resist Temptation?” shares practical tips for young people. Highlights include: don’t let pressure from your peers tempt you to compromise your standards; know your convictions; know your weaknesses.

The article also shares the experience of Jared, who says: “Teenagers face a lot of pressure to go to parties and to do all the things that go on there —drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and having sex. I find it helpful to talk openly with my parents about these pressures. Also, keeping occupied during free time helps me avoid temptation to do the wrong thing.”