What Does the Bible Say About Addiction? | Holdfast Recovery (2024)

What Does the Bible Say About Addiction? | Holdfast Recovery (1)

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For as long as addictive substances have existed, people have fallen victim to the condition. The Bible mentions temptation, suffering, and yielding to sinful behavior. It’s vital to remember that love, forgiveness, and redemption are core Christian values. No matter which path you’ve followed, there is always hope and light ahead. There are several passages from the Bible that can provide guidance, reassurance, and insight during the recovery process.

Bible Verses About Addiction

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.”

The Bible discusses temptation in detail; other examples are in the stories of Job and Joseph. God has given man free will so that we are not constricted and make the right choices for ourselves. The world is full of trials and potential stumbling blocks, including drugs and alcohol. To lead happy, fulfilling lives, we must choose the path of God instead of the path of temptation.

Thessalonians5:6-8

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”

In this passage, St Paul is discussing how believers in Christ must always remain alert and aware of what is going on around them. Self-discipline is integral so that Christians may help others to recognize and understand the word of the Lord. In the Bible, self-discipline and sobriety go hand in hand, a mantra for those who have been through recovery and need to stay on the right path can meditate on.

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The world is a place that is full of malice, natural disasters, sickness, and tragedy. John explains how faith in God helps us to overcome these obstacles with the knowledge and understanding of what Jesus went through to spread his message. Coping with pain and stress is not easy, but the Bible, along with support groups and therapy, helps us to steady ourselves with healthy coping mechanisms.

Corinthians10:13

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. Godis 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.”

The Bible teaches something that is also an important lesson in group therapy: You are not alone in facing adversity. Additionally, God has given us the privilege of choice, and we should take this responsibility seriously.

Ephesians 5:18-20

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to Godthe Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Although it does not directly refer to drinking as a sin, one could interpret God’s word to mean we should not be led astray by drinking alcohol – or by substance abuse, in general. More importantly, the bible‘s references to drug abuse and alcohol abuse are something to reflect on as you work to overcome addiction and regain self-control every day of your recovery process.

Romans 5:3-5

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s lovehas been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spiritwho has been given to us.”

In the moment, our pain and struggles often feel like the end of the world. However, when we look back at what we have been through and overcome in life, it becomes clear that these problematic times help to shape us and make us stronger. In times of difficulty, looking to the future can give us hope and peace.

Bible Verses About Recovery

Psalms 18:2-6

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

1 Corinthians 15:33

"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character."

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."

1 Corinthians 6:12

"I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to anything”–but I will not be mastered by anything."

Holdfast Recovery is a tranquil, loving Christian rehab in Arizona that has Christian values at the core of its program. Call now at (800) 680-7738 to speak with one of our advisers if you or a loved one is in need of addiction treatment.

What Does the Bible Say About Addiction? | Holdfast Recovery (2024)

FAQs

What Does the Bible Say About Addiction? | Holdfast Recovery? ›

Thessalonians5:6-8. “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”

What does the Bible say about total recovery? ›

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10.

What is the biblical understanding of addiction? ›

The Bible has a different definition of addiction, which involves our relationship with God. Addiction is choosing or pursuing something other than God in a habitual, patterned, or repetitive way in order to meet a particular need, despite the inadequacy of the coping mechanism and the negative consequences that occur.

What does Isaiah 60 22 say? ›

Isaiah 60:22 A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time. What do you want to see and when do you want to see it? As to what you want to see, you may have dreams, ambitions, or goals regarding a relationship, your finances, or some plan you have made.

What is Romans 8 28? ›

Romans 8:28 in Other Translations

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

What is a good Bible verse for recovery? ›

"Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

What is God's will in recovery? ›

It represents a surrender to a force outside of our ego and self-centeredness. Many of us in recovery interpret God's will as a source of guidance, strength, and serenity that can help us overcome addiction.

What Scripture talks about drug addiction? ›

Titus 2:12

“It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” This verse means the grace of God teaches you to resist worldly passions and anything which is not godly, including alcohol addiction and drug addiction.

What is the deeper meaning of addiction? ›

Yes, Addiction Is A Mental Illness

You no longer enjoy what other people do as the brain changes. The changes start with recognition of pleasure and end with a drive toward compulsive behavior to fulfill that desire. Sometimes, when you try quitting, the addiction weakens your ability to manage impulses.

What does John 2 16 say? ›

16 And said unto them that sold doves,Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade."

What does Matthew 28 20 say? ›

20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. The modern World English Bible translates the passage as: 20: teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you.

What is Philippians 4 13 in the Bible? ›

Philippians 4:13 in Other Translations

13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 13 Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. 13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

What is Proverbs 16 verse 3? ›

ESV Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. NIV Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

What does total recovery mean? ›

: to recover fully : to have no lasting health problems.

What are the principles of recovery in the Bible? ›

By applying the biblical principles of conviction, conversion, surrender, confession, restitution, prayer, quiet time, witnessing, and helping one another, which are found within the Eight Principles and the Christ-centered 12 Steps, you will restore and develop stronger relationships with others and with God.

What does the Bible say about recovery and restoration? ›

Restoration is a process:

Passages like 1 Peter 5:10, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast," emphasize God's faithfulness amid challenges.

What is the biblical meaning of recovery? ›

re-kuv'-er: "Recover" has (1) the transitive meaning of "to retake" or "regain" (anything); and (2) the intransitive sense of "to regain health" or "become well." In Judith 14:7 it means "restore to consciousness." In the former sense it is in the Old Testament the translation of natsal, "to snatch away" (Jg 11:26; 1Sa ...

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