Understanding Substance Abuse and Addiction
Substance Abuse or Addiction (of alcohol, drugs, pills) is the repeated misuse and unhealthy, compulsive desire and dependency of a legal or illegal substance, which is continued by the user with disregard to negative impact.
Addicts and alcoholics often want to quit, but find they can't. They go back to the addiction despite the harm it causes because they don't have a way to live life without it. Though some people may even be born with propensities towards alcoholism or addiction, it is patterned abuse that forms chemical dependency. The addiction becomes a way of coping with life, managing emotions, and escaping pain.
Often addicts and alcoholics can go days, weeks, even months without using. The addiction is more easily defined by repetitive binging—a "once I start, I don't/can't stop" mentality. When chemical abuse is extensive, in addition to a Christ-centered recovery program, medical detox and rehab may be necessary due to the chemical dependency formed within the body.
If you are struggling with substance abuse, know that God loves you, there is hope for you, and freedom is possible through Christ and community.
Substance Abuse Assessment
If you are struggling with alcohol and drug/pill abuse, honestly answer the following questions in this addiction assessment. Consider inviting a close friend to help you process these honestly and accurately:
Have you ever decided to stop drinking/using for a season, but only lasted for a couple of days?
Do people talk to you about your drinking/using?
Have you tried drinking/using different types of alcohol/drugs, only certain days, only certain times?
Have you drank/used in the morning in the past year to help get through a hangover?
Have you had remorse, guilt or regret due to your drinking/using or actions/words while drinking/using?
In the last year, has your drinking/using caused relational, work, legal, financial, or health problems?
Do you often have six or more drinks in one night?
Do you ever drink/use before a party, date, event so that you'll get a head start?
Do you find that, most often, when you drink you get drunk?
Have you missed, called in sick, given excuses for missing events, parties, holidays, or work after drinking/using?
When you drink/use do you ever have difficulty remembering past details or the night before?
Have you ever tried to quit and after a season of sobriety gone back to drinking/using at the same or worse level?
Scoring: From the experience of others, answering YES to four or more questions indicates a substance abuse issue and the need for help. If you answered yes to multiple questions, take this seriously. You are not alone, and help is available.
Biblical Insights on Addiction and Freedom
God Loves You and You Can Approach Him
God loves you and you can approach Him for mercy and grace. If you struggle with addiction, know that you are not alone. God loves you and there is hope for you because of Christ.
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
— Hebrews 4:15-16
The Bible Says Don't Be Drunk
The Bible does not say "don't drink," but it does say "don't be drunk." If you can't drink without getting drunk, you should strongly consider abstinence altogether. There are certain things in life that lead us into sin. Jesus says when you realize what things are access points to sin in your life, to radically do away with them in order to preserve life. These are often called your playground, playmates, and pastimes.
"If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
— Matthew 5:30
"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated or mastered by anything."
— 1 Corinthians 6:12
Be Filled with the Holy Spirit, Not Substances
The Bible actually says we should be under the influence—but its command is to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit, not alcohol or drugs. When you surrender to God's Spirit, you exchange the temporary relief of substances for lasting transformation and joy.
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."
— Ephesians 5:18
Note: Debauchery is an abandoned, depraved life ruled by sensual pleasures. This is the opposite of the full, abundant life Christ offers.
The Litmus Test: Does It Glorify God?
There is a simple litmus test in the Bible for whether something is okay for you to do. The question is not "Is it legal?" or "Does everyone else do it?" The real question is: Does this activity bring glory to God? Does the way I use this glorify God? If the answer is no, it is time to walk away, no matter how much culture says it's acceptable.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
The Consequences of Addiction
God's Word warns us clearly about the dangers of addiction and what it does to our lives. If you want to understand the full destructive power of addiction, read Proverbs 23:29-35. It describes the pain, regret, and despair that addiction produces.
"Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. 'They hit me,' you will say, 'but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?'"
— Proverbs 23:29-35
Next Steps Toward Freedom and Sobriety
- Acknowledge your addiction to yourself. Until you believe you have a problem, nothing will change. Be honest about the impact substance abuse has had on your life, your relationships, your work, and your health (1 John 1:8).
- Acknowledge your addiction to God. He cares for you and He alone can set you free from the bondage of addiction. Confess your addiction, your powerlessness, and your need for His help. Ask Him to be your strength and your way out (1 John 1:9).
- Reach out to a trusted friend and take the courageous step of being honest about your struggle. There is no shame in admitting addiction. The only shame would be if you continued in the spiral of addiction and didn't seek help (1 John 1:7, James 5:16, Proverbs 28:13).
- Write down some Scriptures from this issue sheet to remind yourself, meditate on, and memorize what is true about God, you, and your struggle. Consider starting with these passages: Romans 6 (especially verse 21 and 23), Galatians 5, and 1 Peter 4:1-4.
- Answer the Addiction Assessment questions to consider whether you have an addiction. What is one next step you will take today? This week? Write it down and commit to it.
- Make a commitment to sobriety. Start with 24 hours of sobriety. Then commit to 24 more. Many recovery programs suggest committing to one day at a time. Each day of sobriety is a victory and brings you closer to freedom.
- Get professional help if needed. If your substance abuse is severe or if you've been using for a long time, seek out medical detox and/or a rehab program alongside your spiritual recovery. There is no shame in needing professional help—it is wisdom.
- Join a recovery community. Find a church, a re:generation group, or another Christ-centered recovery group where you can be accountable, be known, and receive ongoing support. Community is essential for lasting change.
Freedom Is Possible
If you have been enslaved to substance abuse—if you've tried to quit and couldn't, if you've watched your addiction destroy your relationships, your career, your health, and your self-respect—know that freedom is possible. You are not hopeless. You are not beyond God's reach. God's love and power are greater than any addiction. Jesus came to set the captive free, and that includes you. The path to recovery is not easy. It requires honesty about your powerlessness, vulnerability in admitting your need for help, and daily commitment to sobriety. It means replacing the quick relief of substances with the lasting comfort of God's presence and community. It means believing that you are worthy of healing even when your past says otherwise. But thousands have walked this path before you. They have experienced the bondage of addiction and found freedom. They have discovered that life without substances is not empty—it is full. It is real. It is worth living. The question is: Are you ready? Are you ready to be honest? Are you ready to ask for help? Are you ready to surrender to God's power? If so, take the first step today. Make a phone call. Go to a meeting. Tell someone. Reach out to Jesus. Your freedom awaits on the other side of that courageous first step.