Addiction is often referred to as a disease of isolation, but the Bible says that God is always with us. Renewing your relationship with God can help you heal from past hurts and find the strength you need to begin your recovery journey.
6 Lessons About Addiction and Recovery From the Bible
There are many Bible verses that can provide comfort and insight as you work towards recovery. Here, we outline some of our favorite scriptures that can be applicable to life in recovery.
1. You’re Not Alone in Your Struggles
The stigma surrounding addiction can make you feel like you’re fighting a battle nobody else understands but struggles with substance abuse are much more common than you think. Others have faced the same darkness and found a path towards a brighter future.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 a way out so that you can endure it. ~1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
2. You Have the Power to Make a Choice
Substance use disorders have both biological and environmental triggers, but you’re not powerless over your addiction. You can choose to seek out the help you need to live a brighter future.
Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. ~Romans 6:16 NLT
3. You Don’t Need to Be Afraid
Battling an addiction doesn’t mean that you are weak. You are much stronger than you think, so don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from taking steps to improve your situation.
…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. ~2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
4. It’s OK to Ask for Help
You don’t have to struggle through the challenges of life in recovery alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let others help you succeed in your journey, with the expectation that you will make plans to someday return the favor.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. ~Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 NLT
5. Surround Yourself With People Who Are Committed to Your Success
Friends who encourage you to drink or use drugs don’t have your best interests at heart. They’re stuck in negative behavior patterns and want you to keep them company. To move forward, you need to seek out people who encourage your efforts at self-improvement.
Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character. ~1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV
6. You Deserve Forgiveness
You may have made mistakes in the past, but God will forgive your sins and transform your life. God’s grace will also encourage your friends and family to offer the same unconditional love.
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~2 Corinthians 12:9–10 NLT
Incorporating Bible Study Into Your Recovery
Celebrate Recovery, a popular self-help group for people struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and other troubling behaviors, pairs the 12 Steps associated with groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous with Bible verses that reinforce each message. For example, “We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable” is paired with the following verse:
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. ~Romans 7:18 NIV
You can review our post, How Celebrate Recovery Can Help You Stay Sober, to learn more about the benefits of this program.
Exploring Your Spirituality at St. Joseph Institute for Addiction
Located in picturesque Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, St. Joseph Institute for Addiction offers a full continuum of care for men and women struggling with substance abuse disorders. We are a Christian non-denominational program that welcomes anyone who wants to learn how deepening their faith can help them face the challenge of clean and sober living. Our clients learn to explore their spirituality as part of a holistic commitment to living a wellness-focused lifestyle that is free from the burden of addictive substances. Contact our admissions representatives to learn more.
Looking for addiction treatment near Altoona, PA? To learn more about SJI Pennsylvania addiction rehab, and our programs, please contact us at (814) 228-8881.
