"But it's not addicting, I swear!"

I've lost count of the number of times I've heard co-workers and schoolmates tell me this. People are constantly being suckered into doing foolish things, abusing drugs for an example, by promises of extreme fun with little or no consequence. The fact is that there are always consequences for your actions, and anyone who says otherwise is lying or selling something. God warned us of this:

• In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation (D&C 89:4 )—

When you get a high from something, you're no longer sober, you're thought processes change and, probably admittedly, things will feel different, maybe really "good". If you eat ice cream, it tastes good and you naturally want more, but are disappointed when there's none left in the carton. It's just how the brain works; it is attracted to things that bring good feelings and even though a drug is not inherently addicting, the intense pleasure--one much greater than that of the ice cream that just left you disappointed--you get from it has your mind hooked like a fish on the line. The Word of Wisdom given to us by God, himself, provides safety for the soul, the body and mind; we are directed to maintain full control over ourselves and avoid all addictions in whatever form they may take.

• Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly...in this present world (Titus 2:12);

God gave us this principle to protect and warn us of these dangers, and by not partaking of these things at all we can protect ourselves, even those of us with specific weaknesses, from becoming addicted. We have been commanded to deny ourselves of all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly. May we heed the council given to us by the Prophets, who speak the words of God, warning us of dangers. I pray that those already in spiritual bondage to Satan, will humble themselves and seek aid from a Bishop and perhaps even a professional. All of us have weaknesses, and the Lord permits them that we may be humble. but our Savior provided a way to overcome them.

• And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them (Ether 12:27).
• ...for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints (D&C 89:3)

Because of his sacrifice, you and I can have complete forgiveness for our sins. Jesus Christ will heal our hearts, and make us clean. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.