Jesus and Addiction: What Would Jesus Say?

Jesus is our savior and a powerful symbol of Christianity. He died for our sins and is a guiding light to the way we should live our lives. But when we fall short, what is the result? Like a drug addict or alcoholic, you may be feeling distant from your faith or like you have let Jesus down. Is it possible to have both Jesus and addiction in your life? Maybe now is the time to lean on your faith rather than shy away.

Is It a Sin to Take Drugs?

The Bible says a lot about drinking alcohol, sobriety, and intentionally harming the body. However, it doesn’t outright address the topic of addiction because that word wasn’t used when the Bible was written.

There’s been an ongoing debate about Jesus and addiction, specifically concerning whether substance abuse is a sin and whether the Bible talks about addiction. One verse that’s often used in discussions of addiction is 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Based on this verse, we can conclude that sober-mindedness can be taken in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Either way, we know that drugs and alcohol can impair one’s judgment, which is often the reason why they’re used.

What Does Jesus Say About Alcohol & Drug Use?

Although addiction is not directly addressed in the Bible, it does provide principles and teachings from Jesus that can be applied to the modern-day challenges associated with substance use and addictive behaviors.

Here are a few points about addiction mentioned in the Bible:

• Self-control: According to Galatians 5:22–23, the Bible emphasizes the value of self-control. Relying on God's strength to resist harmful behaviors and practicing self-discipline are common strategies for overcoming addiction.
• Asking for help: The Bible exhorts Christians to ask for assistance from others, recognizing that we are not meant to handle difficulties on our own (Proverbs 15:22). This might entail asking friends, family, and experts for assistance.
• Renewal of the mind: Christians are urged to undergo mental renewal in Romans 12:2. Addiction recovery may entail a shift in viewpoints and cognitive processes.
• Repentance and forgiveness: Christianity places a strong emphasis on the ideas of repentance and forgiveness. Healing requires acknowledging and accepting responsibility for past transgressions, as well as extending forgiveness to both oneself and others.
• Faith and surrender: A major Christian theme is putting one's trust in God's direction and giving Him control over one's challenges. Belief can be a powerful source of support for individuals pursuing healing.

Based on these verses alone, we can conclude that using drugs is a sin. As we mentioned, we’re encouraged to be sober-minded, which isn’t possible when we’re high or drunk.

Additionally, if you’re still on the fence about whether or not drug use is sinful, there's also Romans 14:23 to consider: “But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.” While this verse uses the topic of unclean food as an example (cultural detail), the wisdom of this verse – especially the last sentence – still applies to modern-day behavior.

People battling addiction must get professional assistance, such as psychological, medical, and addiction treatment support. A lot of facilities incorporate spiritual principles into their addiction treatment programs, such as Christian rehab centers like Faith in Recovery. The physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of addiction are frequently addressed in these programs. Consider seeking support and direction from professional resources and faith-based organizations if you or someone you know is experiencing addiction.

Is Smoking Weed Considered A Sin According To Religious Perspectives?

According to various religious perspectives, the act of smoking marijuana is often viewed in the context of how it affects the individual's ability to live up to religious tenets and community responsibilities. Drawing from Christian viewpoints as mentioned in texts such as Romans 12, where believers are urged to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, it is suggested that anything that impairs judgment or self-control, such as drugs or alcohol, could be viewed as contrary to God’s desires.

Christian leaders, including pastors like Dan Trippie from Restoration Church, argue that marijuana use can create a detachment from reality, potentially leading individuals to become numb to the injustices or needs of their community. The concern is that this detachment and the resultant numbness might hinder a Christian's call to be actively engaged and empathetic towards others, principles that are often highlighted in Biblical teachings.

Trippie, along with others like Russell Moore, also express concerns that the legalization and widespread use of marijuana could contribute to greater isolation within individual lives, which is particularly problematic from a Christian perspective that values community engagement and mutual support. For communities that place emphasis on unity and collective wellbeing, such as those found in many Christian congregations, anything that fosters isolation could be seen as contrary to the principles of communal living and, thus, a sin.

Furthermore, places like Faith In Recovery emphasize the benefits of community, particularly in the context of recovery from addiction, reinforcing the idea that anything that draws people away from communal interaction and support networks might not only be seen as unhealthy but also ungodly.

Therefore, while the Bible does not specifically mention marijuana, the overarching message from these religious leaders is that if a substance leads to a decrease in moral awareness, community involvement, and overall detachment from one's duties as a believer, it could be considered a sin in that it prevents individuals from fulfilling their religious and communal obligations.

Is Marijuana Considered A Gateway Drug By Researchers And How Does It Affect The Brain's Response To Drugs Later In Life?

Researchers continue to debate whether marijuana acts as a gateway drug, leading users to engage in other, more harmful, drug use. Although a direct causal relationship has not been conclusively established, there is evidence suggesting a correlation between early marijuana use and increased likelihood of later engaging in other drug-related activities, such as heroin use. Additionally, there is emerging research on the concept of cross-sensitization, which posits that exposure to one drug can make the brain more susceptible to future drug use. This theory supports the idea that early drug use, including marijuana, might prime the brain to have a heightened response to other drugs in later life.

What Are The Effects Of Marijuana On The Body, Particularly On Teens?

Research continues to explore the impacts of marijuana on health, especially among adolescents. Present findings highlight significant risks associated with its use during the teenage years—a critical period for brain development. Studies suggest a correlation between frequent marijuana consumption and a heightened likelihood of experiencing psychotic disorders, such as psychosis and schizophrenia. The probability of developing such conditions may be notably higher in teens who use marijuana regularly.

Moreover, contemporary strains of marijuana feature dramatically elevated levels of THC—the primary psychoactive component—compared to those from previous decades. Increased THC concentrations, which have surged by over 300% from 2008 to 2017 according to research by the University of Mississippi supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, can exacerbate adverse effects, including severe anxiety, psychotic symptoms, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting.

Additionally, marijuana is frequently discussed as a potential gateway drug, implying that early exposure might facilitate the use of harder substances like heroin. While direct causation is not established, existing data suggest a linkage between early marijuana use and increased engagement in other risky behaviors. Emerging research on cross-sensitization also supports the theory that early drug exposure might make the brain more susceptible to future drug addiction.

For parents concerned about their teen's marijuana usage, it is crucial to educate themselves about these risks and consider seeking professional guidance to address potential drug use behaviors effectively.

How Do Young Christians View The Use of Marijuana?

There is a diversity of opinions among young adult Christians regarding marijuana legalization. The PRRI survey highlighted that 50% of Christian youth aged 18 to 29 support the legalization of marijuana. This perspective might stem from their interpretation of biblical texts, which do not explicitly mention marijuana, possibly leading them to conclude that its use is not inherently immoral.

Will God Forgive My Addiction?

If Jesus and the addict were in the same room, how would He react? Would Jesus condemn the addict, or would he offer him guidance? As providers of Christian addiction recovery in multiple Banyan addiction treatment centers, we strongly believe the latter, and we will prove it.

Jesus has many wise words, but we think that when it comes to addiction, these are the most relevant:

• Mark 2:17: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinner to repentance.” Here, Jesus is telling us that he helps the sick and the sinners. We all sin, and although addiction may feel like a horrible sin, Jesus is still there. If you repent for this sin, Jesus will be there to forgive you and help save you from your sins.
• Matthew 28:20: “And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.” Jesus doesn’t say, “unless you are an addict.” He does not have conditions. No matter how much you may have distanced yourself from Jesus or how badly your addiction has become, Jesus will be with you so long as you accept him.
• Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Here,  Jesus asks us to come to Him with our anxieties and our problems. No matter what these problems are, addiction included, if we trust in him, he will give us hope. With hope, we can find peace.

So yes, God will forgive your addiction if you ask for His forgiveness. Unfortunately, many people use religion to condemn, forgetting that God is a path to forgiveness and absolution from our sins. Jesus and addiction do not need to be at odds with one another.

In addition to forgiveness, God is also there for you in recovery. One verse we can look at is 1 Corinthians 10:13, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

Substance abuse may be a temptation that this verse refers to. Addiction is a temptation that many people struggle with, but this verse reminds us that God always provides a way out, whether that be help from friends or help from a Christian drug rehabilitation center like ours.

Although you may be feeling down and out, now is the time to rely on your faith. Our Christian residential drug rehab is designed to not only help you overcome your substance abuse problem but also to strengthen your faith during this journey.

If you are ready to take those first steps to recovery, call Faith in Recovery at 888-280-4763 or contact us online to find out more about our faith-based recovery programs.