Dear Layla:

Things sure have changed from generation to generation. A typical secular young person in my day was not into alcohol abuse, drug use, and sexual promiscuity. There were those who were, but the average (typical) young person was a little more restrained than that. Times have changed.

Anyway, as to your dream, most dreams are the brains creative way to work out anxieties, fears, worries, and issues of our life. It sounds like this dream was one that conjured up experiences of the past that triggered "cravings". This is not unusual.

The response to this is to "take captive every thought in obedience to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5b). You know this craving is a temptation. Focus your mind on something else and let the temptation fade.

Most "cravings" and temptations are short-lived. If we can distract ourselves long enough to allow the temptation to fade will can avoid sin.

Find something to distract you from these cravings. But also remind yourself of how stupid drug abuse was. Do you want to be that stupid again? Think about how sin disappoints God who loves you and to whom you should love. Make a decision to not sin.

Regardless of your "cravings" no one has a gun to your head to make you sin. If you sin, that will be a decision you will make. Decide not to sin, decide to think upon things that are of God (Phil 4:8).

And remember "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Cor 10:13).

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary