The Rev. John Pistorius of St. John Reformed Church in Chicora hits a triangle once for each of the 88 overdose deaths in Butler County this year during a candlelight vigil Dec. 28.

Nobody wants to glorify deaths caused by addiction. We want to prevent addiction and help people overcome it. Some do. But more must be done. We want to reduce the death toll. Ignoring the deaths will not do that. This is why nearly 40 people, (including our three county commissioners), braved the bitter cold on Dec. 28.

At that time we knew 88 lives were mowed down in 2017 by this insidious mass murderer. They were friends, neighbors, siblings, parents, children and grandchildren. They lived in our communities.

Some chose addiction. But just as many or maybe more were prescribed addiction. They became helpless as flies in the sticky silk of spiders. Once entangled, they were devoured by the predators lying in wait. But the addiction web is not spun by spiders. Humans who operate illegal and legal drug cartels spin this web.

Not all opioid addictions begin with illegal substances. Many start with controlled but legal drugs. Those drugs were designed to capture the human brain and lock it into dependence. The motive? It increases the bottom line of everyone involved.

Stock portfolios grow fat on the carnage. Lifestyles are fueled by the money made legally and illegally. Future generations will look back at this time with horror and disgust.

Yes, we have an opioid problem. And yes it is an ugly problem. Yes, it hurts to see a memorial that illustrates the lives lost. It makes us see what we don't want to see. And yes, it should. Maybe it will spark more people to become involved in seeking positive solutions. Maybe it will ignite passion for solving the problem.

What would the response be if 90 people died in 2017 because of faulty car brakes? Would we dismiss their deaths because they chose to drive? What if they died from overeating food that was designed to lock them into an insatiable appetite? Some might try that food believing they would not become hooked. But what if a large number were advised by their nutritionist to eat the very food that would enslave them? Would we look the other way and blame them? Would we say “they deserved to die.” I certainly hope not; nor would we glorify overeating and gluttons. We would seek a remedy.

This is why this overdose death memorial was put together on Main Street. Not to exalt lives lost, but to make sure they were not lost in vain. The suffering of addiction affects all of us. Instead of condemning well-intentioned efforts of those who are addressing it, Get involved. Work toward solutions for prevention, treatment and recovery.

As the people in California know, forest fires do not put themselves out. Nor can they be ignored. Address it or the problem continues to grow.

Next year at this time, we will count a new batch of deaths. They too will represent our friends, neighbors, children and grandchildren. I pray to our Creator that people of faith will join forces in this battle, instead of turning their backs. And maybe the number will go down.

Chicora

The writer is the pastor of St. John's Reformed Church in Chicora.