Escaping Drugs and Other Addictions

Many young people, but not only, have fallen these days into the trap of drugs and other addictions. Let’s not forget that even coffee or alcohol, consumed in excessive quantities, are considered to be drugs.

First of all, let’s see what the Scripture has to say about this:

You say, "I am allowed to do anything"—but not everything is good for you. And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12).

"Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit;" (Ephesians 5:18)

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!"(Luke 4:18-21)

Amazed, the people exclaimed, "What authority and power this man’s words possess! Even evil spirits obey him, and they flee at his command!" (Luke 4:36)

In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. (Colossians 2:15)

But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)

Your real problem is not a cureless disease, it’s a sin, and Jesus came to solve the problem of sin (1 Corinthians 6:11).

You need to be spiritually reborn and baptized in the Holy Spirit. You need a change in your life. Of course, you might also need some therapy to help you get rid of the drug habit, but you should ask for help from the part of your family, some Christian friends, a pastor or a Christian organization.

They say it takes a month to get rid of a bad habit. Drug addiction is a serious matter, so it requires radical changes in lifestyle, entourage, the social atmosphere, the places you frequent, and so on.
The key is not to abstain, but to replace. You should look for companionship in a Christian club, a Bible study and prayer group, or a church that can welcome you with warmth. A trustful Christian friend can also be of great help.

You need to keep your mind busy with new things (Philippians 4:8, 9).

You should also learn to obey Christ and not the drugs, old friends, self-pity, guiltiness or fear.

God has a plan for your salvation. Ask God to save your mind, your soul, your body. (1John 1:9).

Receive Christ as your Savior and your Lord (John 1:12).

Believe Him. He said he won’t reject anyone. He loves you and He gave His own life for you. (John 3:16, 17).

How about the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

If you’ve become a believer in Christ, you can receive strength from God through the Holy Spirit. Thus, you’ll be able to live your life as God intended for you. (Ezekiel 36:27).

The Holy Spirit gives you strength to help others, too. (Acts1:8).

He supports you and teaches you (John 14:26ur; 1 Corinthians 2:13), He guides you in all truth (John 16:13) to give you real life (Acts10:19; 13:2; 16:6).

If you wish, you may also ask somebody who’s already been baptized with the Holy Spirit to pray with you. In the same way you asked God to forgive your sins, believing that He could really do that, ask Him to baptize you in the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13).

He’s promised to do it, all you have to do is believe. Thank Him, and praise Him for He is God who keeps all His promises.

You may also consider sharing your spiritual experience with others, so that others may be happy for you too. God and the angels surely are happy for you!