Although the Bible does not directly address drug addiction – the word was first used in the 20th century when the concepts of addiction and dependence were introduced, the scriptures address earthly temptations where substance abuse is considered one of them.
Christians are specifically instructed to guard their bodies and shun self-harming as they are created in the image of God.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
The latter urges believers to be clear-minded to avoid susceptibility to the evils in the world.
However, with the numerous translations of the Bible today, some versions, whose sources Bible scholars may deem questionable, may include the disease addiction.
Nonetheless, other scriptures appear to be more direct in addressing the harm caused by mind-altering substances. Some of them are;
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Isaiah 5:11
Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine.
As depicted above, wine was the most common substance of abuse during the time the Bible was written, unlike today where drugs, both prescribed and unprescribed, can be abused and result in addictions.
While some verses in the Bible may be implicit on the aftermath of alcohol abuse, others are quite direct; it leads to indulgence in lustful and sensual acts.
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the spirit.
Contrary to the mainstream media which glorifies indulgence in drug and alcohol abuse, Christianity considers this kind of lifestyle deplorable. It does not only harm the body and the spirit but also draws one away from God.
Nonetheless, the scriptures shed a ray of hope for spouses whose significant others struggle with addictions.
Luke 5:32
I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Keep reading to know what the Bible says about drug addiction and marriage.
Drug Addiction and Marriage
It is beyond doubt that a relationship with a partner struggling with drug addiction can cause a mental and emotional toll on the couple.
This is because a spouse with alcohol and substance abuse disorder can impound one of many effects on a family.
Some of the effects brought about by drug addiction include:
- Loneliness – spouses struggling with addiction may often disconnect from their families and loved ones. This makes one feel lonely and not able to emotionally and socially connect with their better half.
- Financial burden – addiction puts a financial strain on a marriage as the addict satisfies their drinking sprees. Moreover, it could lead to other expenses from legal fees on DUI tickets, healthcare fees spent on rehabs, and other social costs.
- Neglect of responsibilities – addicts can ignore family responsibilities, such as paying kids’ tuition, mortgage, etc. which may make it hard for the other spouse to cope.
- Violence – alcohol alters the mind and can easily make one aggressive and abusive. However, abuse may not be physical but also mental and emotional.
On that note, it is important to note that the Bible advises against marriages between believers and non-believers. Such a union is ungodly and can very well tear marriages apart.
Christians are advised to marry like-minded Christians who are led by the Spirit rather than the flesh.
2 Corinthians 6:14
Don’t develop partnerships with those who are not of Jesus’ teachings. For what real connection can exist between righteousness and rebellion? How can light participate in darkness?
1 Corinthians 5:11
What I was saying is that you should not associate with someone who calls himself a brother or a sister but lives contrary to all we stand for: committing immoral sexual acts, consumed with desire for more, worshipping tangible lifeless things, using profanity, drinking into oblivion, swindling, and cheating others. Do not even sit at the table with a person like this.
Although if addiction infiltrates your marriage down the road, there is still hope of redemption for your addicted spouse as God cannot tempt you beyond what you can handle.
1 Corinthians 10:13
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.
More often than not, you may be tempted to leave your marriage as you feel trapped, hurt, and broken. But even addicts heal and people change.
It is advisable to establish Godly boundaries with your addicted spouse while simultaneously taking care of your health and family.
What are Godly boundaries?
As much as staying in such a marriage may be a difficult choice and sacrifice, it is possible if the addicted spouse is willing to seek help and God’s forgiveness.
If this is the case then it is your duty as a believer to support, encourage, and comfort your addicted spouse through counseling, AA groups, rehab, and last but not least, prayer.
Lamentations 3: 22-23
God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning; great is your faithfulness!
As they fight to address the root causes of their addictions, proclaim affirmation to their life. Let them see the beauty of intentionally living a Godly life.
Pray for your addicted spouse
Proverbs 3: 5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
It is your duty as the spouse to support and pray for your partner. After all, no problem is too big for God to handle and everyone is addicted to something. We just have to seek refuge and freedom from addictions and pain.
As you pray, pray for a union of wisdom, guidance, protection, and a forgiving heart.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
