How to Overcome Addiction Biblically: What the Bible Has to Say
Many people wonder how to overcome addiction biblically. Can you use the Bible for help in overcoming addiction? As we know, drug abuse is a widespread problem. With drug addiction, we feel as though we are being tempted beyond our control. It is also distressing to see our loved ones suffering from an addiction of any kind. You always hope that drug addiction treatment programs will help once family members enter rehab.
However, the first step in drug addiction recovery is surrendering to God. If a loved one is suffering from addiction or is enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program, the Bible verses mentioned in this blog may comfort and reassure them that the Holy Spirit will always be present and working in their lives.
What is Addiction?
The term addiction or substance use disorder refers to a condition in which a person’s brain and behavior are altered, resulting in an inability to control the consumption of either legal or illegal substances or medications. Drugs like alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are included in this category. Despite the harm it causes, you may continue using drugs when you’re addicted.
An addiction is a physical and emotional attachment to something that provides immediate pleasure or relief. This attachment becomes increasingly destructive over time as it controls the heart, promising pleasure and avoiding pain.
What the Bible Has to Say About Addiction
People have been afflicted by addictive substances for as long as they have existed. Long before the Bible was written, it mentions temptation, suffering, and sinful behavior. Redeeming, forgiving, and loving are important Christian values. Although you may have taken a number of paths, there is always light and hope ahead. During recovery, you may be guided, reassured, and enlightened by several Bible passages.
Comforting Versus from the Bible on How to Deal with Addiction
Addiction can drain you of your strength and make you question why you are being punished so severely. God does not assure you that you will never make a mistake. In fact, contrary to what many individuals believe, He warns that we will all experience difficulties. With the following Bible passages, He guides us all:
- 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 gives an account of temptation through the stories of Job and Joseph. God gives man free will so that we can make the right decisions for ourselves. Drugs and alcohol are just some of the temptations in the world. We must choose God’s path instead of the path of temptation if we want to lead fulfilling lives.
- Thessalonians 5: 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 warns that Christians must remain vigilant and mindful of their surroundings. Sobriety and self-control are essential, so that other people may identify and comprehend the word of the Lord. Those who have completed recovery and wish to stay on the correct path can think about the connection between self-control and sobriety, which is frequently expressed in the Bible.
- 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 God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Although the Bible does not mention substance abuse directly, it may be interpreted as saying that we should not be misled by alcohol or substance abuse in general. Furthermore, you should reflect on the bible’s mentions of drug and alcohol abuse as you battle addiction and regain self-control every day of your rehabilitation 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 love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
When we experience pain and struggle, we often feel that the world has ended. Looking back on the difficulties we have overcome in life, we realize that they help shape us and make us stronger. When we are faced with difficulties, looking toward the future can provide us with hope and peace.
- 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.”
Group therapy teaches the same lesson as the Bible: You are not the only one facing difficulties. God has given us the freedom of choice, and we should respect that.
How Leaning on God Can Help You Recover From Your Addiction
Regardless of the addiction you’re dealing with, there is a solution. For Christians, relying on your faith for support in your recovery can be a crucial source of support. Spiritual people tend to fare better when battling addiction, according to research. By trusting God in the following ways, you can overcome this temptation.
- Admit you are struggling with addiction –
Addiction is a serious issue, and the first step to addressing it is recognizing it. Tell yourself, God, and the people you care about that you have an addiction problem and want to recover. It may be difficult to escape denial, but you must admit it to yourself, God, and the people you care about.
- Pray –
Prayer is a source of strength for many Christians who are battling addiction. Prayer not only brings you closer to God, but it also reduces cravings severity. Prayer every day—recall that God is by your side as you fight against addiction, and express gratitude to him for being there.
- Find support within your Christian community –
Addiction recovery is a community effort. Churches may offer a variety of resources and support services, including an opportunity to share your experiences, referral to resources, and prayer. Churches already frequently take an active role in addiction treatment and frequently offer programs to help addicts. You can always turn to the church for support, no matter how much addiction takes from you.
- Avoid triggers –
Your triggers can be identified, and you can avoid them to prevent cravings. Take some time to write down a list of your addiction triggers, and then consider how you can avoid them. Your triggers may give you a sense of control over your addiction. Even when you are not sure if you can conquer your addiction, God believes in you.
- Set boundaries –
It is possible to avoid problematic environments by setting boundaries. If you have friends or other individuals in your life who tempt you to relapse, let them know that you are recovering and that you can no longer be around them. You do not have to terminate these relationships—Jesus was a companion to all sorts of folks—but you must set boundaries to keep yourself away from detrimental influences.
- Participate in Therapy –
Addiction can be overcome with the right tools and strategies. CBT for addiction, which focuses on keeping cravings at bay through the development of skills and coping strategies, is an effective treatment. CBT is widely used in therapy, and working with one can make the recovery process successful.
- Celebrate Milestones –
Contingency management programs can help you overcome addiction. Contingency management programs offer you material rewards, whether financial or otherwise, for abstaining from substance abuse. Rewards waiting for you if you achieve your objectives can be a vital motivator for staying strong and resisting substance abuse. God desires us to be rewarded for our good efforts.
- Help others –
Being a sponsor for a person in recovery is one method to remain on the right path. In addition to offering recovery programs, you can help people new to their addiction fight by acting as a sponsor. Once you have succeeded in keeping your addiction under control for a while, you can assist others. Being an effective sponsor has been shown to prevent sponsors from relapsing into addiction.
Restoration Counseling is Here for You Through Your Struggle with Addiction
Addiction is a serious issue and if you or a loved one is struggling with any form of substance abuse it’s important to connect with a counselor right away. It may be difficult to tackle addiction on your own, especially if you don’t know where to begin or how. But with God’s help and the support of a qualified Christian counselor, you can overcome addiction once and for all.
It is our Christian obligation at Restoration Counseling to seek out God in everything we do, to celebrate him, and rely on him when we are in trouble. As time passes, we may develop a closer connection with Jesus. Working with a Christian counselor can help you establish a relationship with Jesus and learn how to turn to him for assistance. To learn more about how we can assist you in overcoming your current situation, please contact Restoration Counseling today. You are never abandoned.
