Addiction is one of the most pressing spiritual, emotional, and social crises of our time. Whether it takes the form of substance abuse, pornography, gambling, or any other destructive pattern, addiction devastates lives and fractures communities. In the face of such brokenness, the Church must not remain silent or distant. A Reformed Christian response compels the Church to engage with both conviction and compassion, grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Church as a Hospital for Sinners

The Reformed tradition teaches that all people are fallen due to original sin (Romans 3:10-12). Addiction is one of many ways in which total depravity manifests. Because of this, the Church should never view addicts as a special class of sinners, but rather as fellow strugglers in need of grace. Jesus declared, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Mark 2:17). The Church is a hospital for sinners—not a showroom for the righteous.

By recognizing this, the Church can create a culture of grace where addicts feel safe to confess their struggles without fear of judgment. Instead of hiding their sin, they are invited into the light of gospel community, where repentance, accountability, and healing can begin.

Preaching the Full Gospel

A Reformed Church’s primary weapon against addiction is not therapy or self-help but the faithful preaching of the Word. Romans 1:16 reminds us, “The gospel… is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” The addict does not need a better version of themselves—they need to be made new. Only the gospel can deliver such radical transformation.

Preaching must highlight both the seriousness of sin and the sufficiency of Christ. It must confront the false saviors that addicts pursue, while also lifting up the true Savior who offers living water to the spiritually thirsty. The doctrines of grace—total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints—speak directly to the heart of the addict’s condition and offer real hope.

Community and Accountability

Reformed theology emphasizes the covenant community of the Church. Sanctification does not occur in isolation. Hebrews 10:24-25 calls believers to encourage one another and not forsake meeting together. For those recovering from addiction, ongoing discipleship and accountability are essential.

Churches must foster deep relationships where members regularly bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). This might include support groups, mentoring relationships, and regular prayer. Elders and mature believers can come alongside recovering addicts, helping them apply biblical truth to daily struggles and holding them accountable in love.

A Call to Compassionate Action

Ultimately, the Church must reflect the heart of Christ, who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The Reformed response is not passive. It is not enough to affirm doctrine from the pulpit; the Church must actively embody the love of God to those bound in sin. This means entering into the messiness of addiction with truth, mercy, and perseverance.

Conclusion: The Church as a Beacon of Grace

In a world ravaged by addiction, the Church is uniquely positioned to bring hope. Rooted in Reformed theology, the Church offers more than programs—it offers Christ Himself. Through sound doctrine, loving community, and gospel-driven compassion, the Church can be a powerful instrument of healing and restoration for those seeking freedom from addiction.

Addiction is a brutal master—deceiving, enslaving, and ultimately destroying those under its control. For many, the path to recovery is filled with frustration and despair, especially when attempts to heal are grounded in human effort alone. However, the timeless truths of the Reformation—faith alone, grace alone, and Christ alone—provide a radically different and deeply hopeful foundation for lasting recovery. These doctrines don’t just offer theological insight; they present a powerful framework for true freedom from addiction.

Faith Alone: Trusting in God, Not Ourselves

The doctrine of sola fide, or “faith alone,” teaches that we are justified before God not by our works or personal merit, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This truth is especially freeing for those struggling with addiction. Recovery often fails when it is rooted in self-reliance—when we believe that sheer willpower or self-discipline is enough to overcome our bondage. But Scripture tells a different story.

Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Faith is not a work we muster up—it’s a gift from God. For the addict, this means that transformation begins not by trying harder but by trusting deeper. Recovery starts when one stops believing in their own strength and begins to rest in the finished work of Christ.

Grace Alone: God’s Unmerited Favor for the Broken

Sola gratia, or “grace alone,” reminds us that salvation and healing are entirely undeserved. In addiction, guilt and shame often keep people trapped, convinced that they are too far gone for redemption. But the gospel speaks a better word. Grace is God’s favor toward the undeserving. It is His initiative to love, forgive, and transform sinners—not because of who they are, but because of who He is.

Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness… and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.” Grace not only forgives the past but also empowers change in the present. In recovery, grace means that no one is beyond hope. God meets people at their lowest and lifts them up—not through punishment, but through patient, transformative love.

Christ Alone: The Only True Source of Freedom

Solus Christus, or “Christ alone,” asserts that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and man. No program, no system, no human wisdom can offer what Christ does: complete redemption. He alone has the power to break the chains of sin and addiction.

John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” The promise of recovery in Christ is not superficial—it’s total. Jesus doesn’t just clean up behavior; He changes hearts. His life, death, and resurrection provide the only sufficient remedy for the enslaving power of addiction.

Conclusion: A Gospel-Centered Recovery

True recovery is not found in human strength, moral resolve, or external programs—it is found in the gospel. Through faith alone, we are united to Christ. By grace alone, we are forgiven and empowered. In Christ alone, we find true freedom. For anyone in the grip of addiction, this is the best news imaginable: God doesn’t ask us to clean ourselves up first—He offers us healing and freedom in Jesus.

Addiction is a complex and challenging issue that impacts millions of lives worldwide, often leading individuals to feel trapped in destructive patterns of behavior. While secular treatments often focus on the psychological and physiological aspects of addiction, the Bible provides a holistic and transformative perspective on recovery. A biblical approach to addiction emphasizes sanctification—the process of being made holy—as the foundation for lasting change and true sobriety.

The Need for Sanctification in Addiction Recovery

Addiction is not merely a physical problem but a spiritual issue that reflects humanity’s fallen nature. According to Scripture, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Addiction, in many ways, mirrors the power of sin over a person’s life, leading them to pursue false comforts and temporary relief outside of God’s design. Recovery, therefore, must go beyond the cessation of addictive behaviors and focus on the deeper issue of sanctification.

Sanctification is the process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ. It involves turning away from sin and living a life of holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Addiction recovery through sanctification involves more than just trying to quit destructive habits—it is about a complete spiritual transformation. By focusing on Christ, addicts can begin to experience freedom from the power of sin, including addiction.

Grace and Power for Transformation

The starting point for any recovery process is the grace of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” The grace of God is not only the basis of salvation but also the power for transformation. While addiction can often leave individuals feeling powerless, the gospel assures believers that God’s grace is sufficient to break the chains of addiction.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” This verse offers a promise that God’s power is made evident in the believer’s weakness, which is crucial for those struggling with addiction. Sobriety is not achieved by human effort alone but by relying on God’s grace to empower them to overcome temptation and sinful desires.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sobriety

Central to sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit. When a person becomes a believer, the Holy Spirit takes residence within them, enabling them to live in accordance with God’s will (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Spirit helps believers to resist temptation, renew their minds, and develop self-control, a key fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Addiction often thrives in the absence of self-control, but through the Holy Spirit, addicts can develop discipline and learn to rely on God for strength.

Walking in the Spirit is the key to breaking free from addiction. Galatians 5:16 urges, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The process of overcoming addiction is not about willpower alone, but about submitting to the Spirit’s guidance and allowing Him to produce lasting change in one’s life.

Community and Accountability in the Recovery Process

Sanctification is also deeply connected to community. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to “stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” The church plays a vital role in the recovery process by offering support, encouragement, and accountability.

Addiction thrives in isolation, but the fellowship of the church provides a safe space for those struggling with addiction to confess their struggles, receive prayer, and be encouraged in their journey toward recovery. Engaging with a community of believers helps individuals stay focused on their faith and continue to grow in holiness.

Conclusion: True Sobriety in Christ

True sobriety, from a biblical perspective, goes beyond the cessation of addictive behaviors—it involves a heart and life transformed by the grace of God. Sanctification is the key to breaking the chains of addiction, as it leads to a life of obedience to God, empowered by His grace and the Holy Spirit. Through sanctification, addicts can experience lasting freedom, not just from substances or behaviors, but from the power of sin. As 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 assures us, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

Addiction is a gripping reality for many, marked by pain, brokenness, and despair. It affects not only individuals but also families and communities. For Reformed Christians, addressing addiction goes beyond managing symptoms or achieving sobriety; it involves a deeper journey of redemption and renewal through the transformative power of God’s grace. By applying Reformed Christian principles, individuals struggling with addiction can find a framework rooted in God’s sovereignty, the gospel’s redemptive power, and the lifelong process of sanctification.

Addiction as a Manifestation of the Fall

Reformed theology begins with an understanding of human brokenness. According to the doctrine of total depravity, sin has affected every aspect of human life, including the mind, will, and body. Addiction is one manifestation of this fallen condition, revealing humanity’s tendency to seek fulfillment in created things rather than in the Creator.

Addiction can be seen as a form of idolatry, where substances or behaviors become ultimate sources of comfort, security, or identity. This idolatry leads to bondage, as individuals become enslaved to that which they have placed at the center of their lives. Reformed Christianity addresses this enslavement by pointing to the need for redemption through Jesus Christ.

Redemption Through the Gospel

At the heart of Reformed theology is the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The gospel proclaims that sinners are redeemed not by their own efforts but by the grace of God through faith in Christ. This redemption includes freedom from sin’s power, making it central to the recovery process for those struggling with addiction.

The gospel assures individuals that they are not defined by their addiction but by their identity in Christ. Through faith, they are forgiven, justified, and adopted as children of God. This foundational truth brings hope to those who feel trapped by addiction, reminding them that their past does not determine their future.

Redemption is not merely about forgiveness; it is also about transformation. The gospel provides the power to break free from the grip of addiction and begin a new life characterized by obedience to God and trust in His promises.

Renewal Through Sanctification

Redemption leads to renewal—a process Reformed Christians understand as sanctification. Sanctification is the lifelong work of the Holy Spirit, transforming believers into the likeness of Christ. For those in addiction recovery, this renewal involves not only breaking free from destructive habits but also cultivating a life that reflects God’s holiness and glory.

Renewal is not instantaneous but requires active participation in the “means of grace,” including prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and fellowship within the church community. These practices enable individuals to grow in their relationship with God, find strength for their recovery journey, and experience ongoing transformation.

The process of renewal also includes recognizing and addressing underlying spiritual, emotional, or relational wounds that may have contributed to addiction. Through the support of the church community and reliance on God’s grace, individuals can experience healing and restoration in every area of their lives.

Hope in God’s Sovereignty

Reformed Christianity emphasizes the sovereignty of God, assuring believers that nothing in their lives, including addiction, is beyond His control or redemptive purposes. This truth offers profound comfort and hope to those in recovery, reminding them that God is at work even in their struggles.

God’s sovereignty also underscores the importance of surrender. Recovery is not about self-reliance but about trusting in God’s power and plan. It is through this surrender that individuals find the strength to persevere and the courage to face the challenges of recovery.

Conclusion

Addiction, redemption, and renewal are deeply connected in the Reformed Christian approach to recovery. Addiction reflects the brokenness of the fall, redemption offers freedom through the gospel, and renewal is the Spirit-led process of sanctification. By applying these principles, those struggling with addiction can find hope, healing, and a restored sense of purpose. Through God’s grace and the power of the gospel, lives once enslaved by addiction can be transformed for His glory.

Addiction is a profound struggle that touches every aspect of a person’s life—physical, emotional, and spiritual. For Reformed Christians, addiction is not merely a physical or psychological issue but a manifestation of humanity’s fallen nature. The journey to recovery is seen as part of the broader process of sanctification, a lifelong transformation into Christlikeness through the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification and sobriety are deeply intertwined in the Reformed Christian approach to addiction recovery, emphasizing reliance on God’s grace, the power of the gospel, and active participation in spiritual disciplines and community support.

Sanctification: A Lifelong Journey

In Reformed theology, sanctification is the process by which believers grow in holiness after being justified by faith in Christ. It is a gradual, Spirit-led transformation that reflects the believer’s union with Christ. Sanctification is not instantaneous, nor is it free from struggles or setbacks. Instead, it is a journey that requires dependence on God’s grace and the means of grace He has provided.

For those recovering from addiction, sanctification provides a framework for understanding the journey to sobriety. Addiction recovery is rarely linear and often involves challenges and relapses. However, in the Reformed view, setbacks do not define a believer’s identity or worth. Instead, they are opportunities for growth, repentance, and deeper reliance on God’s transformative power.

The Role of Grace in Sobriety

Reformed theology places a strong emphasis on the grace of God as the foundation of all spiritual growth. Sobriety, like sanctification, is not achieved through sheer willpower or human effort. While discipline and practical measures are important, true and lasting change comes from God’s unmerited favor and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit.

Grace provides hope and assurance for those battling addiction. It reminds them that their worth is not based on their success in overcoming addiction but on Christ’s finished work on the cross. This grace also enables believers to persevere in their recovery, knowing that God is actively working in their lives to bring about healing and transformation.

Spiritual Practices in Recovery

Reformed Christians emphasize the use of spiritual disciplines, often referred to as the “means of grace,” as essential tools in the process of sanctification and addiction recovery. These practices include:

• Prayer: Regular, heartfelt prayer allows individuals to bring their struggles before God, seek His guidance, and experience His peace.
• Scripture Reading: Immersion in God’s Word provides wisdom, encouragement, and reminders of God’s promises, helping individuals resist the pull of addiction.
• Worship: Corporate worship fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces the believer’s identity in Christ.
• Accountability: Engaging with a church community or recovery group provides support, encouragement, and accountability, which are crucial for maintaining sobriety.

The Community of Believers

Sanctification is not a solitary endeavor. The Reformed tradition places a high value on the role of the church as a supportive and redemptive community. In addiction recovery, the church serves as a source of encouragement, accountability, and prayer. Fellow believers walk alongside those in recovery, offering love and support while pointing them to the hope found in Christ.

The communal aspect of sanctification underscores the importance of transparency and mutual encouragement. Addiction often thrives in isolation, but the church community provides a space where individuals can share their struggles and celebrate victories in an atmosphere of grace and truth.

Sobriety as Worship

In the Reformed Christian perspective, sobriety is not just the absence of addiction; it is a form of worship. By choosing sobriety, individuals glorify God with their bodies, minds, and lives. Sobriety becomes a tangible expression of the believer’s desire to honor God and live in obedience to His will.

Conclusion

For Reformed Christians, addiction recovery is more than breaking free from harmful habits; it is a spiritual journey of sanctification. Sobriety, sustained by God’s grace and strengthened through spiritual disciplines, reflects the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, Scripture, community, and worship, recovering addicts find the strength to persevere and grow in holiness. In this journey, the ultimate goal is not just freedom from addiction but a life fully surrendered to the glory of God.

Addiction is a complex and deeply painful experience that affects individuals, families, and communities. For Christians who hold to Reformed theology, addiction is not just a physical or psychological struggle; it is ultimately a spiritual battle that reflects the broader reality of sin and brokenness in the world. In Reformed theology, the sovereignty of God plays a central role in understanding how healing from addiction occurs. God’s sovereignty refers to His complete control and authority over all things, including human suffering, sin, and the process of recovery.

Addiction and Human Brokenness

From a Reformed perspective, addiction is seen as part of the fallen human condition. According to the doctrine of total depravity, all human beings are born into sin, and every aspect of human life, including the mind, will, and emotions, is affected by this sinful nature. Addiction, therefore, is a symptom of the broader spiritual brokenness that affects all people. It is an enslavement to substances or behaviors that offer temporary relief or satisfaction but ultimately lead to deeper bondage.

Addiction is not just a physical issue, nor is it simply a failure of willpower or discipline. Reformed theology teaches that addiction, like all sin, is a result of humanity’s separation from God. Therefore, true healing must address not only the physical and psychological aspects of addiction but also the spiritual roots of the problem. This is where the sovereignty of God provides both a framework for understanding addiction and a source of hope for recovery.

God’s Sovereignty in the Struggle Against Addiction

In Reformed theology, the sovereignty of God means that nothing happens outside of His will or control. This includes the challenges of addiction. While addiction is a result of human sin and brokenness, it is not outside of God’s redemptive plan. In fact, Reformed Christians believe that God can use even the painful experiences of addiction for His purposes, ultimately bringing healing and transformation out of suffering.

The sovereignty of God offers hope in the midst of addiction because it assures believers that God is not distant or indifferent to their struggles. He is actively involved in their lives, working all things together for good (Romans 8:28), even in the darkest moments. This belief provides comfort for those who feel powerless in the face of addiction, reminding them that God is greater than their struggles and has the power to bring about healing.

The Role of Grace in Recovery

Reformed theology emphasizes that human beings cannot overcome sin, including addiction, on their own. It is only by the grace of God that anyone can be saved or experience true transformation. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, and it is by grace that addicts can find freedom from their bondage. This grace is not just a one-time gift but a continual source of strength and healing throughout the recovery process.

For those in addiction recovery, God’s grace is essential. While practical steps such as therapy, counseling, and support groups are valuable, Reformed theology teaches that true healing ultimately comes from God. His grace works in the lives of believers through the power of the Holy Spirit, transforming their hearts and renewing their minds. This process of sanctification—being made holy—is a lifelong journey that begins with grace and continues through God’s sovereign work in the believer’s life.

Trusting in God’s Plan for Healing

Trusting in the sovereignty of God means believing that He has a purpose for every experience, including the suffering caused by addiction. While the road to recovery can be long and difficult, Reformed Christians are encouraged to trust that God is working through every step, even in setbacks or relapses. This trust does not lead to passivity but to an active reliance on God’s power and promises.

Reformed theology calls for a posture of surrender and faith in God’s ultimate plan. It encourages individuals struggling with addiction to seek God in prayer, to immerse themselves in Scripture, and to engage with the church community for support and encouragement. Healing is seen as both a spiritual and communal process, grounded in God’s sovereign grace.

Conclusion

In Reformed theology, the sovereignty of God provides a powerful framework for understanding and addressing addiction. Addiction is part of the human condition of sin, but it is not beyond the reach of God’s redemptive power. God’s sovereignty ensures that He is in control, even in the darkest moments of addiction, and His grace offers the only true path to healing. Through faith in God’s plan and reliance on His grace, those struggling with addiction can find hope, healing, and transformation.

In the Reformed Christian tradition, grace is central to all aspects of faith and life. It is the unmerited favor of God that brings redemption, healing, and transformation. For those struggling with addiction, grace offers hope and a path to recovery that is both spiritual and practical. The Reformed perspective on overcoming addiction emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the power of the gospel, and the process of sanctification through the Holy Spirit.

The Sovereignty of God in Addiction Recovery

One of the core beliefs in Reformed theology is the sovereignty of God, which means that God is in control of all things, including human struggles such as addiction. This truth offers comfort and hope to those battling addiction, reminding them that their journey is not outside of God’s care or plan. Addiction can feel overwhelming and isolating, but the knowledge that God is sovereign reassures believers that their struggle is not in vain and that God has the power to bring healing.

In addiction recovery, this belief in God’s sovereignty encourages reliance on Him rather than on human efforts alone. While practical steps such as counseling, accountability, and medical treatment are valuable, Reformed Christians believe that ultimate healing comes from God. This reliance on divine grace rather than self-effort brings a deeper sense of peace and hope in the recovery process.

The Role of the Gospel in Recovery

At the heart of Reformed Christianity is the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, which brings salvation to sinners. Addiction, from a Reformed perspective, is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that affects all of humanity. While addiction is often discussed in terms of physical, psychological, or behavioral dependence, Reformed theology sees it as part of the broader human condition of sin. Addiction is not just a habit to be broken but a form of bondage from which individuals need to be delivered.

The gospel brings freedom from this bondage. Through faith in Christ, individuals are not only forgiven for their sins but are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome sin’s power, including the grip of addiction. In recovery, this means that the addict is not left to fight the battle alone; they are supported by the grace of God, which is transformative and renewing. The gospel promises a new identity in Christ, offering addicts a fresh start and the assurance that they are loved and valued by God despite their past.

Sanctification and the Journey of Recovery

Sanctification is the process of being made holy, a key concept in Reformed theology. For the recovering addict, sanctification is an ongoing journey. While justification (being made right with God) is a one-time event through faith in Christ, sanctification is a lifelong process. This process is not linear, and setbacks can occur, but the overarching theme is growth and transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Reformed Christians believe that sanctification is fueled by grace. It is God’s grace that initiates and sustains the process of recovery. This means that even in moments of failure, the recovering addict can turn back to God’s grace, knowing that it is not their own strength but God’s power at work within them. Accountability, prayer, participation in the church community, and engagement with Scripture are all means by which grace flows into the life of the recovering person, guiding them toward wholeness.

Conclusion

In a Reformed Christian perspective, overcoming addiction is not just about breaking free from a physical or psychological dependence. It is a spiritual journey grounded in the grace of God, the transformative power of the gospel, and the process of sanctification. Through God’s sovereignty, the addict finds hope; through the gospel, they find freedom; and through sanctification, they experience ongoing growth and renewal. Grace is the foundation and the power behind true recovery.

Anyone can get addicted especially if they don’t pay attention to some of the possible signs or some aspects of their health that can get them addicted.

If you’re a Christian struggling with addiction, the good news is that you can break free if you’re aware of your identity in Christ.

Here are some of the steps you can apply to put addiction at bay.

Read your Bible regularly

If you’ve been addicted for a while and it’s been difficult for you to break free, one of the measures to apply is to improve your studying of God’s word. Reading and meditating on God’s word helps you to remember the power that resides in you.

It also reminds you that irrespective of your sin, you remain God’s child. So, if you are feeling like God has abandoned you, the word of God is there to remind you that he will never leave you or forsake you.

As you meditate on God’s word, you can confess some of his promises to yourself, especially regarding your healing.

Pray fervently

Another step to take to defeat addiction is to pray without ceasing. One of the primary essence of prayer is to communicate with God, and also listen to him.

It might be that the reason why you are at a loss on how to break free is that you’ve not spoken to God in a long time.

When it comes to fervent prayer, you don’t have to begin with several hours at a stretch. You can start with a few minutes, and increase it gradually. What matters is your consistency and how heartfelt your prayers are.

Inform your siblings in Christ

You can also conquer addiction when you are accountable to your brothers and sisters in the faith. It is important to mention that you don’t have to be shy when you tell them about your condition.

Your siblings in Christ will join you in prayers, and also help you find other means to treat your addiction condition once and for all.

You can create a lasting foundation for lasting sobriety by joining a church that offers addiction recovery programs. Of course, a Christian recovery program can make it easier to trust in the Lord during addiction treatment fully, but your church is an excellent place to start.

Why You Should Go to Church in Recovery

Church attendance is important for addiction recovery for several reasons, but here are some of the most important ones.

When you seek addiction recovery with a faith component, churches provide you with a faith-based connection with God. As you try to overcome your addiction or get yourself out of a quicksand situation, God will be there to help you. Establishing a routine of attending church will help you focus on your faith and keep you in touch with your beliefs.

Church provides a sense of community that many people appreciate. As part of a church community, people from various backgrounds and cultures can connect. As you recover, you will need all the support you can get, and attending church during recovery can provide you with that.

Additionally, you will find a group of peers who share your views. It is not uncommon to meet people devoted to their faith and the church when attending regularly.

If you look in a group of people, you are likely to find people less inclined to drink and use drugs. If you surround yourself with these people, you will have a group of friends with whom you can spend time without being pressured to do drugs or drink.

Several churches host events or activities for the community. Participating in sober activities will keep you occupied and distracted from your drug cravings while keeping you off the streets. You may find that participating in their volunteer opportunities will also give you a new purpose to fill the void that your addiction left behind.

Addiction can be likened to a black hole. It drains everything good from your life and leaves you with feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. A person struggling with a substance use disorder may feel as though they are fighting an impossible battle.

You can’t explain how your addiction grew so large. The habit was born to relax after a long day or loosen up in social settings. But, as time passed, this seemingly harmless habit transformed into something darker and sinister.

The situation may seem hopeless at this point. However, as walls surround you, you have no other option but to perpetuate the vicious cycle of addiction.

You might believe God has abandoned you, gone silent, and left you to fend for yourself. However, this is far from true.

In the light of the promises he makes, he promises deliverance from our sinful decisions and forgiveness for our transgressions. If we ask and seek Him, He will be there for us. You can find strength in His embrace if you take refuge in it.

How to Overcome Addiction through God

We can overcome the most powerful addictions with God’s love and achieve sustained sobriety and success through him. As you turn to God for help in overcoming your addiction, keep these points in mind:

• The love of God is amazing

You have probably felt worthless because of addiction at times, but you should remember that God sees through your faults and loves you regardless of what your addiction has done to you. God does not expect his children to be perfect.

The only thing he asks is for you to remain hopeful toward overcoming your sins and strive to attain his everlasting love. You can manage an addiction if you are willing to sacrifice and put in the effort. It requires you to admit your weaknesses while striving for something more powerful.

• Experiencing trials helps us grow because it’s the way we mature

Our primary way of growing both emotionally and spiritually is to learn how to deal with difficult situations in life. It is important to remember this fact and find joy even for tumultuous experiences in life, as James 1:2-4 teaches us.