Why I Help People Take Drugs

By: Meera Bai Grover

Narrated by: Meera Bai Grover

Working in Vancouver's notorious downtown eastside to pay for her theological education at Regent College, Meera Bai Grover was faced with questions about whether or not providing people who use drugs with sterile supplies and a place to inject contravened her faith. She knew she wanted to care for people with addiction but did not know how to do so in a way that fit with her own moral code.

She wrestled with these questions over the years and through her transition from nursing to becoming a fully licensed physician who specializes in addiction medicine. This book details her insights along the way, describing the patient stories that influenced her practice.

This book is for anyone who has struggled with how to care for people experiencing addiction. Dr. Grover describes her own evangelical Christian lens and how it applies when considering the societal role in the current opioid crisis. She touches on topics such as harm reduction, recovery, decriminalization, and involuntary treatment, with patient examples interwoven with medical education about addiction. In the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, this book provides invaluable lessons to help the church develop a meaningful response toward addiction.

©2024 Meera Bai Grover (P)2024 Cascade Books

Critic reviews

"Gritty, engaging, and powerful, Dr. Grover's Why I Help People Take Drugs confronts injustice and indifference with compassion and care. This provocative and compelling book challenges Christians to see addiction medicine as a true practice of following Jesus, offering hope and dignity to the marginalized."

(Benjamin Perrin)

"Why I Help People Take Drugs is thoughtful and introspective, using Dr. Grover's own experiences to illustrate key concepts of addiction medicine that are commonly misunderstood or misrepresented. While it's written to her fellow Christians, the ideas are understandable by people of any, or no, particular faith. It is my hope that this book stimulates conversation, helping to shift public discourse, and perhaps even policy, on substance use to be more compassionate and evidence informed."

(Erin Knight)

Reflective & Compassionate

Dr. Grover’s book on addictive medications is a powerful and eye-opening read that challenged many of my preconceived notions about addiction and the people who live with it. Before reading it, I often found myself frustrated and judgmental toward those struggling with substance abuse—assuming they lacked the will or desire to better themselves. This book gave me pause. It helped me see the deeper, human side of addiction and prompted a much-needed shift in how I approach these individuals—with empathy, rather than contempt.

What stood out was how Dr. Grover integrates her faith into her professional life. While I’m not a Christian myself, I found her spiritual reflections resonant and meaningful. Her approach to care is clearly influenced by a belief in compassion, grace, and redemption—values that transcend religious boundaries. Her spiritual lens added a layer of depth that made the book feel not just educational, but also transformative.

Highly recommended for anyone willing to have their perspectives challenged and their heart softened