If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible says about addiction, turn to its pages when addiction becomes overwhelming. Many find solace in the Bible, and it’s here that we find comforting truths, inspiring stories, and practical wisdom to help us stay the course. Addictive habits can hold us hostage, but bible verses about addiction offer gentle guidance that frees us from their control.
Christian Based Counseling from BetterHelp.
You can select to have a licensed therapist with a faith-based approach. BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.
Overcoming Addiction Bible Verses
Bible verses about addiction hone in on people’s desire for love, guidance, and comfort. The scripture about addiction is varied, but there is an ongoing theme of surrender, vulnerability, perseverance, self-control, and hope. These verses offer insight and encouragement for overcoming addiction, providing a spiritual foundation for those seeking support and strength.
1. Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”
2. Psalms 50:15
“…and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
3. Psalms 95:8
“Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness…”
4. Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
5. Proverbs 25:28
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
6. Matthew 6:13
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
7. Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
8. John 2:16
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
9. John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
10. John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Online Faith Based Counseling.
You can select to have a licensed therapist with a faith-based approach. BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.
11. Romans 5:3-5
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
12. Romans 12: 1-2
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
13. Romans 13:12
“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
14. Romans 13:14
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
15. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
16. 1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
17. 1 Corinthians 10:13-14
“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. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.”
18. 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.”
19. Galatians 5:1
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
20. Ephesians 5:18
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…”
Christian Based Counseling from BetterHelp.
You can select to have a licensed therapist with a faith-based approach. BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.
21. Ephesians 5:15
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.”
22. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
23. 2 Timothy 1:7
“…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
24. Titus 2:12
“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…”
25. Hebrews 4:15-16
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
26. James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
27. James 1:12-15
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
28. James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
29. 1 Peter 2:11
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
30. 1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
31. 1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
32. 2 Peter 2:19
“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.”
Where to Find a Bible
There are a variety of bibles available if you want to make reading verses part of your addiction recovery or if you hope to gift a bible to a loved one. Some of our favorites include:
- Note-taking Bible
- King James Version Bible, Containing Old & New Testaments
- New International Version Bible, Peel and Stick Bible Tabs and Full-Color Illustrated Verses
How to Get Professional Support for Addiction
When you’re working on overcoming addiction, bible verses can be a source of comfort and support; however, scripture about addiction is not a replacement for professional help. If you or someone you know is grappling with addiction, trained counselors, therapists, and medical professionals are equipped to provide guidance and evidence-based treatments.
Whether it’s therapy, medication-assisted treatment for addiction, support groups, sobriety apps, or even some of the best online therapy options, the right support – potentially in conjunction with bible verses about addiction – can make a difference. If you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, consider starting your search for a therapist in a local therapist directory.
Online Faith Based Counseling.
You can select to have a licensed therapist with a faith-based approach. BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: (No Change)
Medical (No Change)
Primary Changes: Fact checked and edited for improved readability and clarity.New graphics added for each bible verse.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Reviewer:Kristen Fuller, MD
Your Voice Matters
Can't find what you're looking for?
Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. The therapists who write for us love answering your questions!
Leave your feedback for our editors.
Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.
Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)
Best Bible Verses About Addiction Infographics
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Christian Based Counseling
You can select to have a licensed therapist with a faith-based approach. BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.
Online Psychiatry
Talkiatry offers psychiatric appointments with real doctors with first appointments in days. They’re in-network with every major insurer and offer medication management. Take the assessment and meet your new psychiatrist.
Learn Anti-Stress & Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness.com – Change your life by practicing mindfulness. In a few minutes a day, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial
Choosing Therapy Directory
You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.
Best Online Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs
Online medication-assisted treatment programs are fairly new to the telehealth industry, but existing companies are expanding quickly with new programs emerging every day. It’s important to explore your options and understand the level of virtual care available so you can choose the best addiction treatment program for you.
Best Mindful Drinking Apps
If you’re thinking about joining the sober curious movement and you’d like to cut back on drinking, mindful drinking apps are a great place to start. Practicing mindful drinking can take some time, attention, and patience, but with the help of the right app, you can completely transform your relationship with alcohol.
