What does the Bible say about addiction?
You promised yourself last time was the last time. Maybe it’s a drink, a pill, a bet or a screen. You want out, and you don’t know how.
The Bible doesn’t use the word “addiction,” but it describes it exactly: being mastered by something other than God. Paul wrote, “I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12), and God promises, “sin shall not be your master” (Romans 6:14). Addiction is real, it is powerful, and it is not too strong for God. You can’t white-knuckle your way out alone, but you don’t have to. Recovery usually comes through God’s power, honest community and real help, together.
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Thirty-eight years by the pool
A man had been an invalid for thirty-eight years, lying by the pool of Bethesda. Jesus saw him there and asked a strange question: “Do you want to get well?” The man gave excuses: no one would help him into the water, someone always got there first. Jesus said, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” And he did (John 5:5–9). Jesus starts with the same question for anyone who is stuck: do you want to get well?
Steps toward recovery
1. Admit it, to God and to yourself. Honesty is where healing starts.
2. Tell someone today: a pastor, a trusted believer, a sponsor.
3. Get real help. For drugs or alcohol, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, any time, any day. Recovery programs and counselors are gifts from God.
4. Change your environment: the people, places and apps connected to the habit.
5. Fill the empty space with God: His Word, prayer, worship and a church family.
6. If you slip, don’t quit. Get back up and tell someone.
If someone you love is addicted
Love them, pray for them, and set boundaries. Don’t cover for them or fund the habit. Get support for yourself too. And never give up hope; God can reach anyone.
What the Bible says
- 01
Not mastered.
““Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.”
1 Corinthians 6:12 - 02
Sin shall not be your master.
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”
Romans 6:12–14 - 03
Do you want to get well?
“One man there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and realized that he had spent a long time in this condition, He asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am on my way, someone else goes in before me.” Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day,”
John 5:5–9 - 04
A way of escape.
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 - 05
Stand firm.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 - 06
A new creation.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Tell one person today, out loud, what you’re struggling with. If it involves drugs or alcohol, call 1-800-662-4357.
Common questions
Is addiction a sin or a disease?
It involves both: sinful choices and real physical dependence. God offers forgiveness for the first and healing for both.
Can God deliver someone instantly?
Sometimes He does. More often He works through a process of recovery. Both are His power.
Is it a lack of faith to go to rehab?
No. Getting help is wisdom. God works through people and programs.
Bring your real question.
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