How should a Christian view addiction?

Addiction is a complex problem involving physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects. From a Christian perspective, addiction is a form of slavery to sin that requires spiritual intervention (see 2 Peter 2:19; John 8:34).

The Bible recognizes that people can become addicted to various substances or behaviors, such as food (Philippians 3:18–19), alcohol (Isaiah 5:11; 56:12; Titus 2:3), or wealth (1 Timothy 6:9–10). Addiction leads to habitual sin, crippling dependency, and ruined relationships. It ultimately never satisfies (Ecclesiastes 5:10; Romans 6:20–21).

The word addiction has two basic meanings. The first definition, which most are familiar with, is “a physiological or psychological dependence on a habit-forming substance.” Those who are addicted or “given to much wine” (Titus 1:7; 2:3), “drunkards” (1 Timothy 3:3), or “heavy drinkers” (1 Timothy 3:8) are disqualified from teaching or holding a position of authority in the church. Church leaders are called to be sober and self-controlled so that, by their example, they can teach others to be the same, for we know that “drunkards . . . shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:10).

The obsession with anything other than God, including sports, work, shopping, and/or acquiring money and “stuff,” is idolatry. It can also involve an unhealthy obsession with our family, children, and friends. We are commanded to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5), which, according to Jesus, is the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37–38). An addiction to anything other than God Himself is improper. God is the only thing we can—and should—occupy ourselves with habitually. To do so with anything else draws us away from Him and displeases Him. He alone is worthy of our complete attention, love, and service. To offer devotion to anything or anyone else is idolatry.

For the Christian, the answer to overcoming addiction lies in self-control through the new life in Christ (Proverbs 23:1–4; Romans 6:6–7, 11–14, 16–19; 1 Corinthians 6:12). Believers who desire to experience freedom from addiction must pursue holiness by crucifying the old sinful nature and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and develop within them the new nature of Christ (Romans 8:12–15). They must not be dependent upon alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, gluttony, tobacco, or any other substance, idol, or compulsion. They must depend wholly on God, considering themselves “dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Jesus Christ” (Romans 6:11).

At its core, addiction is a spiritual problem stemming from rebellion against God. However, the roots of addiction often run deep, tracing back to emotional scars, past pain, childhood trauma, and broken relationships. These roots become intertwined in a person’s identity through physical and chemical dependencies and behavioral coping mechanisms. Breaking the bondage of addiction can be very difficult. For some, it can be the most challenging and long-term struggle of their Christian journey. Often, the help of a counselor, specialist, accountability partner, or support group is needed.

The road to freedom from addiction first involves admitting the problem. Confession and breaking the power of denial and secrecy are crucial to achieving healing and wholeness (Psalm 32:3–5; Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9; James 5:16). Addiction holds people captive in the darkness of guilt and shame, but freedom comes from walking in the light of the Lord (John 1:4–5; 8:12; Ephesians 5:8–9).

Next comes seeking practical and spiritual help. Simply trying to eliminate the behavior or practicing abstinence is typically not enough; instead, individuals must resolve their personal hurts and spiritual conflicts and find their true identity in Christ. They must learn to rely on God’s power to resist temptation and experience inner healing and transformation. The Bible promises a way of escape from addiction (Psalm 124:7–8). There is hope in Jesus Christ, who came to “free the captives from prison” and “release those who sit in dark dungeons” (Isaiah 42:7, NLT; see also Galatians 5:1, 13; John 8:32,36).