Bible verses about overcoming addiction so you don't feel alone

There is no greater book for overcoming addiction than the Bible. Full of wisdom, inspiration and encouragement, the Bible can empower you to walk life differently, to see things afresh and to tackle your addictions with new vigour. There are many benefits of Christianity for addiction recovery but whether you’re a practicing Christian, someone exploring faith, or you just need some encouragement, you’re in the right place.

So, what does the bible say about addiction? I wanted to list some scriptures that relate to addiction that have really helped in my own recovery over the years.

As drugs were not as prevalent in the biblical days as alcohol was, you won’t find many bible verses about drugs specifically. But I found that applying any type of addiction to the scriptures below helpful, as the power of the ‘pull’ is similar in all types of addictions or dependencies.

Proverbs 20:1 (NLT); “Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.”

I can attest to this, as my drunkenness lead me to say and do things I never meant. I couldn’t see my dilemma initially, and I reasoned that the booze, drugs or sex made me feel good – that I could stop anytime I wanted to – how unwise I was…

Proverbs 23:21 (KJV); “For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”

This scripture is a stark warning to where we will end up, if not dead, and I was headed this way rapidly.

1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT); ‘You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.’

Before long, and unconsciously at the start, I had become enslaved in my addictions; perhaps you can relate to this. If you can’t stop when you try, you may be a slave to your addictions.

Romans 13:13 (AMP); “Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy.”

In this scripture, we are told how God wants us to live, and I think for the most part we know this. However, what I found was that when I was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, I seemed to be drawn to sexual promiscuity and became irresponsible with most of my affairs and commitments. I was unable to keep a lot of my emotions in check – perhaps this is something you can relate to - it is a phenomenon.

Ephesians 5:18 (KJV); “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

Moving on from the warnings and onto an alternative, I have found much later in my spiritual walk that by being filled with God’s spirit instead of the bottled spirit, He directs our interests in other directions and fills the previous restless, irritable and discontented feelings with peace and comfort - this process was steady and gradual for me.

Mark 10:27 (KJV); “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

This is one of the most inspirational bible verses for recovery. The situation we find ourselves in may seem bleak when we get to the point where we realise that it is impossible for us to get rid of our addiction, and this scripture gives real hope when we grasp that God deals in miracles! We are not alone and can develop an intimate relationship with God.

Romans 7:19 (NLT); “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway”

Similarly, to the previous scripture, we can take comfort from the fact that the greatest apostle that lived (the Apostle Paul) struggled with the same difficulties we do…our situation is not unique.

Romans 7:25 (NLT); “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.”

What is even more comforting, is that Paul the apostle found the solution; turning to the true power and strength, which is found in Jesus.

Philippians 2:13 (KJV); “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

This scripture is massive, as our part is to turn to God through Jesus, and He gives us the willingness, and then the power to do what He wants of us, which is most definitely to overcome our dependencies. What does God say about addiction? That overcoming it is to his good pleasure.

Matthew 11:28 (KJV); “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

A really comforting scripture, as we will be physically and emotionally exhausted by the time we finally turn to Jesus.

Psalms 30:2 (ESV); “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.”

Another powerful promise that when we cry out for help, that God will actually heal us from our addiction, so that we do not have to white-knuckle it the whole way.

1 Corinthians 10:12 (AMP); “Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation]”

We are warned not to rely on ourselves when we sober up, but to watch out for slipping up – we should keep humble.

Matthew 26:41 (KJV); “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

This is another key thing the bible says about recovery and overcoming any type of stronghold. Because we are weak in the flesh, we need to be alert and ask God daily for support.

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV); “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

This is another warning to stay sober, because there is the devil who wants to ensnare us again, and our old addictions are the easiest way for Him to do this.

Psalms 37: 23-24 (KJV); “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.”

After the previous three scriptures of warning, I find this one really encouraging to know that even if we don’t get it right straight away or all the time, the Lord God will keep us from utter ruin – this scripture is one of my favourite.

Addictions are a real struggle, and you may have tried many different ways to be rid of them, as I did. We now know the dangers, we’ve been made aware of our powerlessness, warned of the pitfalls, and we have been offered the solution – a loving God, through His Son Jesus Christ. And inspirational bible verses for recovery will always point us back to Him.

We pray you find peace, comfort and joy with God in control of your life. It’s important to continue reading about addiction in a way that points you to Jesus – all the best Christian books on overcoming addiction do!