What Does the Bible Say About Addiction?

What Does the Bible Say About Addiction?

What does the Bible say about addiction? The Bible may seem like an old, irrelevant collection of books too much of the world. But true wisdom does not expire with time, especially not wisdom that comes directly from God. Christians know that the Bible is God-breathed and inspired.

 Holding an immense amount of wisdom and direction for living life, the Bible has a wealth of knowledge and information ready to bless and enhance our lives. The Bible does have a considerable amount to say about the nature of addiction or overindulgence.

If you’re struggling with addiction as a Christian, it can be hard to gather instances in the Bible that you feel speak to you and your situation specifically. The Bible does mention addiction in the context of alcohol. We don’t hear about drugs such as opioids, cocaine, or methamphetamine in Biblical times.

 Of course, some of these did not exist at the time. However, the verses that we find about God’s warning about alcohol apply to all mind-altering substances. When discussing addiction in a Christian context, we also need to go deeper to understand addiction from a spiritual perspective.

Understanding The Purpose of God’s Instruction

An important thought to consider: While sometimes the Bible explains addiction in a way where it seems harsh or condemning, we must remember one key characteristic of God. God is loving, and so it follows that he disciplines and corrects his children like any loving parent would.

 While the Bible can direct and serious in many ways, it is always honest. The truth isn’t always easy to hear, especially when it’s a topic that’s personally applicable. However, the conviction that leads to repentance and change is a blessing. The good news is that equipped with your faith in Jesus Christ; you can overcome addiction and leave behind suffering.

God’s Warning About Overindulgence

In many places in scripture, we see references to over-indulgence in alcohol. Let’s look at what the Bible says about those who dedicate their lives to drinking daily and how it brings destruction and chaos.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. – Proverbs 20:1

This verse states the behavioral changes that come with consuming too much alcohol. We see here mentions of violent behavior, which some alcoholics are known for. God says that anyone who is led astray by it is being unwise. The term led astray, in my opinion, means anyone who has bowed their life down to addiction.

“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” – Proverbs 23:20

In this verse, we see a strong warning not to associate with those who are overindulgers. The consequence that often meets these individuals is poverty and being drowsy and out of it.

“Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines and flutes and wine, but they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord, no respect for the work of his hands.” – Isaiah 5:11

This verse spoken by the prophet Isaiah expresses God’s disapproval of those who decide to surround themselves with alcohol use. This verse mentions the individuals making an idol out of alcohol to the point where they do not care about God. All addictions eventually can lead to this type of behavior.

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 5:18

The book of Ephesians in the New Testament, written by the Apostle Paul, provides direction and warning for how people live. Instead of using substances and being filled with the things they bring, we should focus on being filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can direct and enrich our lives in ways that chemical substances never can.

The Bible states that those who given to overindulgence are prone to the following:

• Violence
• Low self-control when it comes to sensual pleasures (promiscuity)
• Apathy towards God

Now, this does not speak for every single person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol. However, it’s important to note that similar or more troubling behavioral issues do arise with any addiction. This includes self-control control issues when it comes to doing wrong things and not having regard for God.

Aligning the Physical to the Spiritual

Addiction is proven to cause drastic changes to the way the brain works. It disrupts pathways and creates new ones, all to uphold the addiction. Now some would say the physical aspects should be divorced from the spiritual. However, Christians believe that the physical and the spiritual work hand-in-hand and are all connected to God.

In short, our actions are a reflection of our spiritual condition.

The brain is an amazing and complex organ that we don’t fully understand. We know that the brain’s design is a command center for the entire human body. It is only natural for the brain to change when presented with addictive substances over time. Substance abuse corrupts the brain that God gave us to navigate our lives.

These brain changes are precisely why overcoming addiction can be extremely difficult. Firstly, we must deal with the spiritual damage that addiction has caused to our lives by repenting (turning away from) and seeking forgiveness through the cross of Jesus Christ.

 Secondly, we have to fight against the brain that has been rewired. As Christians, we also know that God can heal us, although it doesn’t always happen overnight. The changes take time, but God can see us through every step of the way.