Discover How To Overcome Addiction Through God. Bible Verses About Addictions were divinely inspired to guide us on this very subject matter. God is interested in our emotional, physical, and social well-being. You’ll certainly find his support within the Best Bible Verses On Addiction. It is without a doubt that God wants just the best for all of us. In his goodness and mercy, he provides us with the strength and encouragement needed to overcome every addiction through His Son, Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Addiction is a disease with a long-range of harmful behaviors and conditions. Earlier recognition of your addiction can help you free yourself from it than when in the later stages. By this, we are not saying that there is no hope for long-term addicts.
Behold, All things are possible with God. That is, even if you’ve been suffering from addiction all your life, God can free you from it. Remember what the Holy Gospels say about Jesus Christ, the son of God – “He came to set the captives free.” Hence, you can count on him to free you from the captivity of addiction. But he won’t act without your permission. Do not forget that God has given us the choice to choose what we want. If you’ve made up your mind to overcome addiction by His grace, you can be sure that He’ll help you out. His word says that when his children call on him for help, they will not go without the testimony of his goodness. Even in your state of addiction, God loves you and wants you to turn back to Him.
How To Overcome Addiction Through God
Overview
Medical Doctors currently diagnose addictions under a category referred to as “substance-related and addictive disorders.” A problematic pattern of use is the main symptom of addiction which leads to clinically significant impairments or distress. However, specific symptoms vary according to the nature of the addictive disorder. It is also worth pointing out that powerful cravings characterize addictions. In such a case, the individual concerned might not be able to stop partaking in the addictive substance or behavior despite their expressed desire to quit. It is at this point that divine intervention is required. Immediately Jesus Christ steps into the story, there is change. Sincerely Repent and embrace his Key Teachings and you’ll live to testify.
You should also note that a person with substance use or behavior disorder generally finds it difficult to control their use of the substance or control of behavior. Even if they are aware of the harm caused by the substance or behavior, they still find it difficult to exercise control over the situation. The signs and symptoms surrounding substance use disorder can vary with the individual, the behavior or substance that they are overusing and can’t control, their personal circumstances, and even family history. Substance use disorders have a range of physical, psychological, and social effects that can drastically reduce or ruin people’s quality of living. Before diving into the different Bible verses about addiction, it is worth presenting this range of effects.
1. Psychological symptoms of addiction
These are symptoms of addictions that cause mental disorders. They include the following:
- An inability to stop using.
- Use and abuse of substances continue despite health problems.
- Maintaining a behavior of dealing with problems.
- Severe Obsession.
- Taking unreasonable risks.
- Consumption of an initial large dose.
2. Social Symptoms of addiction
Here, substance use abuse or behavioral disorder can affect the way the individual concerned interacts, relates or socializes with other people. They include the following:
- Sacrificing activities that previously brought them joy.
- Actively dropping hobbies.
- Maintaining at all costs a good supply of the substance they are addicted to.
- Overemphasizing secrecy and solitude
- Denial of the fact that they have a problem
- Excess consumption or abuse of the substance.
- Having stashes or stocks of substance hidden in parts of the house.
- Legal issues popping up.
- Financial difficulties resulting from overspending in securing a regular supply.
3. Physical symptoms of addiction
A repetitive use of substances or prolonged negative behavior can significantly impact a range of bodily functions and systems. They include the following:
- Withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, diarrhea, constipation, trembling, sweats, seizures, uncharacteristic and violet behavior.
- Appetite changes.
- Damage or disease resulting from substance use
- Sleeplessness.
- A change in appearance characterized by tiredness and lack of hygiene.
- Increasing body tolerance of the substance.
Drug Addiction
What Does The Bible Say About Drug Addiction? Surprisingly, the Bible does not directly address any form of illicit drug use. That is, there are no express prohibitions against cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines (Meth), or ecstasy (MDMA). Likewise, there is no mention of marijuana, peyote, cannabis, acid (LSD), or magic mushrooms. In addition, nothing is said about snorting, huffing, smoking, dropping, shooting, vaping, licking, or any other form of ingestion. However, this is not to say that recreational drug use is permissible. On the contrary, there exist many clear Biblical principles that place drug use outside the realm of Christian acceptable behavior. Christians are under a universal mandate to respect and keep the laws of the land (Ecclesiastes 8:2-5; Matthew 22:21; 23:2-3; Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17) except when they violate any divine imperative (Daniel 3 and 6; Acts 5:29).
Over the years, many have argued that marijuana does not warrant prohibition. Such people contend that smoking pot in defiance of the law is justifiable on these grounds and in light of (what they regard to be) the hypocrisy of outlawing weed while allowing alcohol and nicotine consumption. Although, those who argue this point may be sincere in their conviction, they are mistaken nonetheless. Heartfelt disdain for the law does not justify impunity towards it, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear unto our understanding. In rebuking the Pharisees for turning the Law of Moses into an excessively oppressive yoke, Jesus Christ still required His disciples to submit to their unfairly harsh demands (Matthew 23:1-36, especially 1-4). As Christians, we are to dutifully submit to authority while patiently persevering through unjust suffering and/or perceived unfairness (1 Peter 2:18-23), even if that means abstaining from marijuana in compliance with “unfair” legislation.
More facts about drug addiction
As born-again Christians, we’ve not only been called to submit to authority for submission’s sake, we are further constrained by a mandate to live above reproach for the sake of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 10:32; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 6:3; Titus 2:1-8; 2 Peter 3:14). Thus, criminality is highly reproachable. Although this first principle does not impact drug users living in nations like the Netherlands where recreational drug use is legal and permissible. Nevertheless, there are more universal applicable principles. For example, as Christians, we are all required to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us, regardless of our national identity (Matthew 25:14-30). Behold, this includes our earthly bodies. And unfortunately, illicit drug use is an extremely effective way to destroy your health, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
Dr. Alan Leshner, Director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) says, “The most immediate, extensive, and long-lasting problems caused by drug abuse, both for individuals and for society, are often medical in nature. For example, known drug-abuse-related health problems and resulting lost productivity alone cost our society more than $33 billion each year. Illicit drugs directly cause many medical problems. Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine increase the heart rate while constricting the blood vessels. In susceptible individuals, these two actions together set the stage for cardiac arrhythmias and strokes. The club drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, also called “ecstasy”), which many users mistakenly believe to be safe, has caused malignant hyperthermia, permanent kidney damage, and death. MDMA also damages serotonin nerve fibers in the brain. Heroin can cause a life-threatening kidney condition called focal glomerulosclerosis. The list continues: NIDA research has shown that almost every drug of abuse harms …”
What The Scriptures Say About Abstaining From Alcohol
As followers of Christ or Christians, our bodies are not our own. Behold, we “have been bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), not “with perishable things like silver or gold . . . but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:17-19). Upon purchasing us with His own very life, Jesus Christ has delighted to create in us something entirely new, something bizarre. By indwelling us with His Spirit, Christ has turned us into organic temples of sorts. Thus, caring for our bodies is not just a matter of good stewardship. Behold, it is a matter of reverential piety. This is both wondrous and terrifying. Another biblical principle is our susceptibility to deception. It’s worth pointing to the fact that as fallible creatures, we are prone to delusion. And because we are objects of God’s intense affection, His enemies are our enemies.
God’s enemy is our enemy, this includes the Devil, the father of lies (John 8:44), a most formidable and determined adversary. Amazingly, all of the apostolic exhortations to remain sober-minded and alert (1 Corinthians 15:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8) are designed to remind us that we must be vigilant against the wiles of the Devil (1 Peter 5:8), who seeks to ensnare us through deception. Sobriety is also important for prayer (1 Peter 4:7), as is obedience to God (Isaiah 1:10-17). As for drug addiction, not all illicit drugs are physically addictive. Nevertheless, they are all psychologically addictive. While most people are familiar with physical addiction, whereby the body becomes physically dependent upon a substance, psychological addiction is less known. Psychological addiction is an enslavement of the mind, often characterized by obsessive tendencies and a lack of desire to quit.
What does the Scriptures say about drinking wine/alcohol?
There is much that the scriptures say about drinking alcohol (Leviticus 10:9; Numbers 6:3; Deuteronomy 29:6; Judges 13:4, 7, 14; Proverbs 20:1; 31:4; Isaiah 5:11, 22; 24:9; 28:7; 29:9; 56:12). However, the Scriptures do not forbid any Christian from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink that contains alcohol. There are several Scriptures that discuss alcohol in positive terms. In support of this, Ecclesiastes 9:7 instructs, “Drink your wine with a merry heart.” In the same light, Psalm 104:14-15 tells us that God gives wine “that makes glad the heart of men.” Prophet Amos goes to the extent of pointing to the fact that drinking wine from your own vineyard is a sign of God’s blessing (Amos 9:14). Also, Isaiah 55:1 reads, “Yes, come buy wine and milk…”
The Command of God regarding alcohol consumption by Christians is that they should avoid drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). The entire Bible which is the authoritative Word of God does condemn drunkenness and all its effects (Proverbs 23:29-35). In the same light, Christians are also commanded not to allow their bodies to be “mastered” by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19). It is without a doubt that drinking alcohol in excess is highly addictive. Also, the Scriptures forbid a Christian from doing anything that might offend other Christians or even encourage them in any way to sin against their conscience (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). With this in mind, it is difficult if not impossible for anyone to say that he/she is drinking wine to excess for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Biblical facts about drinking wine
The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus changed water into wine. It is even said that Jesus Christ Himself drank wine on occasion (John 2:1-11; Matthew 26:29). During the New Testament times, water was not very clean. Without the modern sanitation that we have today, the water was often filled with viruses, bacteria, and other kinds of contaminants. Even today, the same is true in many third-world countries. Because of this, people during the New Testament times, people often drank wine (or grape juice) because it was far less likely to be contaminated. We can support this by reading from 1 Timothy 5:23 whereby Apostle instructed Timothy to stop drinking water exclusively (which was likely causing his stomach problems) and instead drink wine.
Back in those days, wine was fermented (containing alcohol), but not necessarily to the degree that it is today. Behold, it will be incorrect to say that it was grape juice, but it also appears to be incorrect to say that it was the same thing as the wine commonly produced these days. Again, we’ll say that Scriptures do not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink that contains alcohol. We are hereby trying to say that Alcohol, in and of itself, tainted by sin. Behold, it is rather drunkenness and addiction to alcohol that Christians should refrain themselves from (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:12). When alcohol is consumed in small quantities, it is neither addictive, harmful, nor sinful. In fact, there are some medical doctors that advocate drinking small amounts of red wine for its health benefits, especially regarding the well-being of the heart.
How much is too much?
In simple terms, a person has had too much alcohol when his drinking makes him or others vulnerable to harm. The Bible points to the fact that drunkenness is identified, not by a person’s passing out, but by such behavior such as walking unsteadily, being disoriented, having slurred speech, or becoming contentious (Job 12:25; Psalm 107:27; Proverbs 23:29, 30, 33). The Bible tells us that even those who avoid getting drunk can still become “weighed down with . . . heavy drinking” and face its consequences (Luke 21:34, 35).
Complete abstinence from drinking alcohol
Consumption of small quantities of alcohol is a matter of Christian freedom. However, drunkenness and addiction are sinful. In regard to the Biblical concerns about alcohol and its effects, due to the temptation to easily over-consume alcohol, and due to the possibility of causing offense and/or stumbling of others, it is best for a Christian to maintain the safe side by avoiding alcohol consumption (Matthew 5:29, 30; Romans 13:1; and Romans 14:21). As a matter of fact, the Bible teaches us that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12).
Short term effects of over-consuming alcohol
- Distorted vision, hearing, and coordination.
- Altered perceptions and emotions.
- Impaired judgment.
- Bad breath and hangovers.
Long term effects of over-drinking alcohol
- Heart disease.
- Cancer.
- Pancreatitis.
- Alcohol-related liver disease.
Ways on how to break chains of addictions off your life
It won’t be right for us to present the Bible verses about addiction without pouring some light on how to overcome it. Although not everyone wants to be free from their addiction, all those who call on God for help and freedom will certainly find it. God is able to completely break off the chains of addiction that are hurting your life. God is offering a way out no matter the nature or type of addiction we are into. It could be anything from smartphone dependency, alcohol, drugs, lust, and other sexually related issues in this digital age. Things are pretty straightforward with God and you won’t have to go through a complex rehab strategized process. God has always been a solution to our problems and you can be sure that he is concerned and wants to free you from the chains of addiction.
Our fight today against addiction simply reflects the old-age battle against ‘SIN‘. That’s why we’ll say that the solution to addiction is SINCERE REPENTANCE. In as much as Jesus Christ said to the woman caught in the very act of adultery, “Go and sin no more”, he is also telling us to go and sin no more. Sincere repentance has to do with turning away from the path which you’ve been traveling to take the opposite direction which is enlightened by the will and righteousness of God. Name the issue that you are suffering from which could be anything from over watching TV and not properly exploiting your time and enhancing your health, relationships, vocation, family, and destiny. Whatever be the addiction, name it and make up your mind today not to get back doing it. Call on Jesus Christ and he will help you.
5 Steps to Break Chains of Addiction
- Repent and renew your mind by daily reading God’s word.
- Fast and request for strength to overcome the addiction.
- Pray at all times and pray without ceasing so that the devil will flee from you and God’s angels will help you.
- Fellowship with other believers.
- Have a vision to achieve that will keep you busy and focus.
How To Overcome Addiction Through God
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Peter 2:11 – “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
Galatians 5:19-21 – “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.“
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
1 Corinthians 6:12 – “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.
1 John 2:16 – “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.“
Group 1 – How To Overcome Addiction Through God
James 1:12-15 – “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.“
1 Corinthians 6:12 – ““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
Romans 6:5-6 – “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Zechariah 9:12 – “Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.”
Mark 5:34 – “He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’”
James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Group 2 – How To Overcome Addiction Through God
Psalms 30:1-3 – “I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.”
Jeremiah 17:14 – “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
Psalms 107:19-20 – “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”
Jeremiah 29:12-13 – “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
James 5:15-16 – “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Revelation 21:3-4 – “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
Group 3 – How To Overcome Addiction Through God
Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Galatians 5:1 – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
James 1:3 – “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
1 John 2:16 – “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Matthew 6:13 – “And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.”
John 8:34 – “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.””
John 8:31-32 – “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””
John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Matthew 5:13 – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Group 4 – How To Overcome Addiction Through God
Ephesians 5:18 – “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,“
Galatians 5:21 – “Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
Titus 2:12 – “Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,“
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Group 5 – How To Overcome Addiction Through God
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Proverbs 20:1 – “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
2 Timothy 4:5 – “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.“
Proverbs 23:29-35 – “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds