A Look Inside Meth Mouth
February 21, 2020
Addiction and the Seven Deadly Sins
March 5, 2020
Are Addiction and Sin Connected?
Drug addicts and alcoholics are not all violent or wicked people like the stereotypes may lead you to believe.
At our South Florida Christian rehab, we know all too well that many addicts are God-fearing people who lost control of their addictions. Many Christians who struggle with substance abuse are conflicted. They may be ashamed of their problems, but also unable to stop.
Is Addiction a Sin or a Disease?
Unfortunately, there can be different answers to this question depending on who you ask.There are Bible passages that some people use to interpret addiction as a moral failing. For example, Ephesians 5:19 states, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit”. This passage basically says that instead of drinking in excess, you should be focused on your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Another passage advises, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor” (Proverbs 23:20-21). Both can be interpreted as warnings against addiction and descriptions that such activity is morally wrong.
While the Bible does talk about the moral implications of addiction, science today believes addiction is a physical disease. It may have started with some substance use that could be considered sinful, but when it escalated into addiction, it was because of several other components. While many people, Christians included, believe addiction is strictly a sinful choice, the brain of someone who abused drugs becomes altered by these chemicals and it makes it almost impossible to stop without a medical detox and professional treatment. Several factors can put someone at risk of becoming addicted including largely genetic components.
Redemption & Recovery
If you believe doing drugs is a sin or an alcohol addiction is a moral wrongdoing, you can still find forgiveness. The Bible talks a lot about repenting for your sins and redemption. Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Instead of living in shame, turn to God for forgiveness and hope.Whether you believe addiction and sin are connected or not, you may need to seek professional help in your journey to sobriety. Instead of feeling ashamed about your substance abuse problems and continuing to feel defeated about it, take action. At Faith in Recovery, we not only help patients overcome addiction as a disease, but we also offer faith-based addiction therapies to promote your spiritual healing and to help you rebuild your connection with God.
Whether you believe addiction and sin are synonymous or that addiction is strictly a physical disease, the journey to sobriety is often too difficult to go on your own.
