According to Addiction Center, an organization that provides information and treatment services for people struggling with substance abuse, almost 21 million Americans consider themselves addicted to at least one substance. While that number is staggering on its own, the fact that only 10% of those 21 million Americans receive any sort of treatment for their addiction is even more remarkable. Other interesting statistics published by Addiction Center include the following:
• Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990.
• Between 1999 and 2017, more than 700,000 Americans died of drug overdoses.
• More than 90% of the people who are now dependent on drugs or alcohol started drinking or using drugs before they were 18.
Those statistics paint a grim picture and should certainly cause us to take a moment to think about the fact that addiction is a crippling reality for the people that we interact with every day. While there is no Bible verse that comes straight out and discusses substance abuse, the Bible does provide some truths that we can use to minister to those around us who are dealing with addiction.
Additionally, if you are one of the 90 million Americans who struggles with addiction, God’s Word provides hope for you. God’s plan for your life is not one of bondage to addiction and the shame and guilt associated with it. Instead, His plans for you include abundant life (John 10:10). God’s Word can provide help and guidance that you need, but there is no shame in seeking professional help for your addictions. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who can provide you with professional addiction services if you have any type of substance abuse problem.
1 John 2:16 (TPT)
For all that the world can offer us-the gratification of our flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance-none of these things come from the Father but from the world.
The “gratification of our flesh” mentioned in this verse in 1 John can mean any number of things including addiction. If you know someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it’s important that you realize that the problems they’re experiencing go well beyond “wanting” a substance. Science teaches us that addiction creates a physical, mental and emotional need for the substance that the person is addicted to.
However, the things that the world can offer to the addict to provide “gratification of our flesh” are not from God. No, God is determined to provide us with the things that will soothe our soul which is far more important than gratifying our flesh. Once we come to the understanding that the gratification for the flesh is not the answer, we can better point those around us who are addicted to the source of true fulfillment.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (TPT)
We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.
Take a look at how Paul started this verse in his first letter to the church at Corinth: “We all.” If you are one of the 90 million Americans who struggles with addiction, take heart in the fact that you are not facing this battle on your own. While your personal addiction is your own battle, you can take solace in the fact that there are other people who are currently facing the same struggle and countless others who have been delivered from the chains of addiction.
If you are a friend or relative of someone who is battling addiction, that verse is equally as encouraging to you. Your loved one is not the only person who is dealing with the issue of addiction. Providing them with love, support, truth and grace is paramount to their recovery.
There is a way of escape in place for those who struggle with addiction and that way is through the forgiveness and deliverance offered by Jesus Christ.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.”
These words of Christ are absolutely life changing to all of us, but especially to those of us who may struggle with addiction. Addiction is a heavy burden to bear. Having something that has that type of control over your mind and body is a load that you were never intended to bear. That’s why Christ offered himself as an “oasis” in these beautiful verses from Matthew’s Gospel.
Also, notice the fact that Jesus says that He is “easy to please” in this Scripture. Addiction is not “easy to please.” In fact, the addiction that you’re dealing with is constantly demanding, always trying to find a way to take a little bit more of your life. That’s not Christ’s plan for you. Instead, He wants to give you refreshment and rest.
Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV)
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.
There are actually some Christian addiction rehab centers that use this verse as part of their recovery process. Why? Because Jeremiah surrenders complete control to God in this heartfelt prayer. He recognized that He was not in a position to deliver himself, so he turned to the Lord and asked Him to save him.
If you are addicted to a substance, you may have tried to deliver yourself from that grasp before. However, in most cases, that doesn’t work out. Instead of trying to deliver yourself from the grip of substance abuse, recognize the fact that it is simply bigger than you are. Not only is calling out to God to save you and deliver you a good idea, but so is seeking professional help.
There is nothing wrong with surrendering in your battle to addiction. Doing so is not a sign of weakness, it is simply a way of acknowledging that your strength is not enough to overcome the stronghold of addiction. Let the prayer of Jeremiah be the prayer of your heart. Simply ask God to heal you, save you and deliver you from addiction. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help in addition to God’s deliverance.
There is a common misconception that the old adage, “God helps those who help themselves” is in the Bible. The fact is, the Word of God never tells us to help ourselves. Instead, verse after verse encourages us to fully depend on the power, presence, provision, and peace of God. We are not designed to carry the weight of bondage, sin, shame and addiction on our own. God never promised to “help those who help themselves.” Instead, He told us to not lean to our own understanding but to acknowledge Him in everything we do (Proverbs 3:5-6).
A Closing Prayer (for the loved one of an addicted person):
God, please help me to show my loved one the truth of your word. Help me to be mindful of the fact that their addiction has taken control of the decisions that they’re making. God, I’m asking You to deliver them and to give me the peace that surpasses all understanding. In Christ’s name, Amen.
A Closing Prayer (for those who are dealing with addiction):
God, I need Your help. Save me, O Lord, heal me just like you did Jeremiah. Lord, this is bigger than I am, it’s stronger than I am, and I don’t see anyway out. But Your Word tells me that I’m not in this alone and that You will make a way of escape. God, help me to overcome this and show me where to find the help I need. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Again, if you or someone in your life is dealing with addiction, contact a medical professional immediately.