10 Bible Verses About Addiction for People in Recovery from Addiction

Addiction is a debilitating disease. The journey toward lifelong recovery is difficult. Few people can achieve sobriety on their own, and many people turn to God for help.

The Bible says that God is always with us. If we have faith in him, he’ll help us when we’re weak. He’ll forgive our sins and heal our hearts. But many people isolate themselves while they’re suffering from drug addiction. They hide from friends and family members, and they distance themselves from God.

It’s only when they renew their relationship with God that they find motivation to commit to recovery. Many people in recovery say the turning point in their life was when they surrendered themselves to God. Those experiences are exemplary of Scriptures that say God will heal us when we turn to him.

Verses from the New International Version of the Bible that can be applied to recovery from addiction include:

  1. Psalms 30:1-3:

  2. “I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.”

  3. Psalms 107:19-20:

  4. “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”

  5. Jeremiah 17:14:

  6. “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”

  7. Jeremiah 29:12-13:

  8. “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

  9. Zechariah 9:12:

  10. “Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.”

  11. Matthew 11:28-30:

  12. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

  13. Mark 5:34:

  14. “He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’”

  15. James 5:15-16:

  16. “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

  17. James 4:10:

  18. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

  19. Revelation 21:3-4:

  20. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”

The Bible verses describe how God heals those who are sick. He heals them spiritually and physically. Prayer may be all that is necessary for people with mild substance abuse problems.

However, a combination of medical treatment and prayer is needed for recovery from more severe addictions. Like other diseases, addiction requires professional treatment. But treatment plans can include spiritual and religious components.

The Role of Religion During Recovery

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has declared that purpose is one of four major dimensions that support a life in recovery. Many people find purpose through religion. They grow closer to God when they pray.

Community is another major dimension of recovery. Support systems are necessary for people trying to stay sober. The church is one of the best support systems for Christians.

Learn more about the role of religion during recovery.

Numerous studies show that people have lower rates of relapse when spirituality is involved in their recovery. Thousands of people have found sobriety through 12-step programs that emphasize a relationship with a higher power.

A 2006 study published in Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly found that spirituality, life meaning and religiousness combatted stress and enhanced quality of life among people in recovery from addiction.

Results from a 2011 study in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research supported the idea that Alcoholics Anonymous reduced alcohol use by enhancing participants’ spiritual practices. Several other studies have also found that spirituality and religion increased recovery outcomes.

Numerous Bible verses say that God will help those who are tired, weak, ill and sinful. All they have to do is have faith in him, and he’ll heal their body and spirit.



Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

View Sources

  • Kelly, J.F. et al. (2011, March). Spirituality in Recovery: A Lagged Mediational Analysis of Alcoholics Anonymous’ Principal Theoretical Mechanism of Behavior Change. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3117904/
  • Laudet, A.B., Morgen, K. & White, W.L. (2006, August 3). The Role of Social Supports, Spirituality, Religiousness, Life Meaning and Affiliation with 12-Step Fellowships in Quality of Life Satisfaction Among Individuals in Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Problems. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1526775/
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2017, September 20). Recovery and Recovery Support. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery

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