What is addiction? A Biblical response
The biblical concept of the heart encompasses a multifaceted understanding of human nature that integrates wisdom, emotion, desire, will, spirituality, and intellect. In Proverbs 2:10, wisdom is described as entering the heart, indicating that it is not merely a cognitive function but a deeply rooted aspect of our being. The emotional dimensions of the heart are illustrated in Exodus 4:14, where God expresses His concern for Moses' feelings, and in John 14:1, where Jesus speaks of not letting our hearts be troubled, highlighting the emotional turmoil that can arise within us. The heart is also the seat of desire and will, as seen in 1 Chronicles 29:18, which encourages a heart directed toward God’s purposes. Spirituality is addressed in Acts 8:21, where a pure heart is essential for a right relationship with God. Lastly, Romans 1:21 speaks to the intellect, asserting that failing to honor God leads to futile thinking. This comprehensive view of the heart reinforces its role as the core of human identity, from which all thoughts, actions, and relationships flow.
Addiction, in this context, is recognized as an intricate phenomenon reflecting the complexity of humanity. Human beings, created in the image of God, possess a soul, free will, a brain, a mind, and a body, all of which contribute to their experiences and struggles, including addiction. The Bible's moral stance on addiction is particularly evident in its admonitions against drunkenness, categorized as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21. This scriptural perspective aligns with the view that drug abuse similarly represents a loss of sober-mindedness. The reasons individuals may resort to substances can often be traced back to psychological factors, such as unresolved trauma or distorted belief patterns. This understanding requires a compassionate response rooted in biblical principles, as believers are called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and exhibit long-suffering (Ephesians 4:2). Addressing these underlying issues with care and empathy reflects a biblical commitment to healing.
A biblical worldview on addiction extends beyond merely identifying sinful patterns. It necessitates an approach that encompasses emotional, mental, and physical needs, recognizing addiction as a complex manifestation of human suffering. This suffering can stem from various sources: personal sins, the sins of others, and the inevitable hardships of life, such as illness and loss. Understanding addiction through this lens reveals its role as an avoidance mechanism, a means for individuals to escape the anguish of their fallen condition.
Psychologically, addiction can be framed within the context of historical theological perspectives. Thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas approached drunkenness as a moral failing, emphasizing that it detracts from one's ability to pursue the ultimate good—God. Augustine viewed drunkenness as a failure to seek God’s pleasure, while Aquinas posited that it impairs rational function, which is essential for fulfilling human purpose. Yet, the understanding of addiction has evolved, particularly since the nineteenth century, when advancements in medical science began to redefine addiction as a disease. This shift has complicated the church's interpretation, which historically regarded addiction as a moral failing.
Psychologically and spiritually, addiction is a bonding disorder, characterized by the individual bonding to a substance rather than others and God; as well as an avoidance disorder, which is characterized by the avoidance of pain and suffering. According to Genesis, chapters 1-3, humans are created to be in a relationship with God and others; however, in active addiction, individuals choose instead to be in a relationship with a substance. This is why, ultimately, addiction is a form of misguided worship, or idolatry.
The spiritual implications of addiction are profound. At its core, addiction can be seen as a form of idolatry, where substances or behaviors take the place of God in an individual’s life. This displacement of divine love creates a false sense of fulfillment, leading individuals to worship their addictions rather than God. Dr. Gerald May aptly describes addiction as a “counterfeit of religious presence,” suggesting that it mimics the deep spiritual connection intended for a relationship with God. This perspective highlights the psychological and spiritual dimensions of addiction, framing it as a bonding disorder where individuals form attachments to substances instead of nurturing relationships with others and God.
Further, from a biblical viewpoint, the Imago Dei—the belief that humans are created in God’s image—implies a complex nature that transcends a simplistic understanding of addiction as merely a physical ailment. The Brain Disease Model of Addiction (BDMA) emphasizes neurobiological factors, often overlooking the spiritual and moral dimensions of human existence. The biblical narrative acknowledges the interplay of nature, nurture, and choice, recognizing not only the physiological consequences of addiction but also the psychological motivations behind substance use. This holistic understanding emphasizes the need for God’s love, healing, and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, addressing the deeper issues of the soul and the search for redemption.
An effective biblical approach to addiction treatment necessitates a comprehensive methodology that considers the entirety of the person: the physical injuries sustained, psychological wounds inflicted, and moral failings experienced. The Bible teaches that individuals possess a conscience that reflects an understanding of moral law, leading to feelings of guilt when transgressions occur. These feelings serve a purpose, guiding individuals toward the need for Christ’s salvation. Romans 11:32 encapsulates this concept, illustrating that all are consigned to disobedience in order that God may extend mercy to everyone.
The BDMA posits that labeling addiction as a brain disease alleviates stigma by dissociating moral responsibility from the behavior, thus framing it as a condition that requires treatment rather than repentance. However, as C.S. Lewis notes, this naturalistic perspective can be detrimental, as it undermines the reality of sin and the necessity of spiritual accountability. The biblical understanding of addiction does not dismiss moral agency; rather, it recognizes that acknowledging personal choice is essential for healing and restoration. Ultimately, a biblically informed and clinically aware approach to addiction treatment fosters a more complete healing process. By addressing the physical injuries, psychological traumas, and moral failings of individuals, this method acknowledges the totality of human experience.
“Spiritually, addiction is a deep-seated form of idolatry. The subjects of our addictions become our false gods. These are what we worship, what we attend to, and where we give our time and energy, instead of love. Addiction, then, displaces and supplants God's love as the source and object of our deepest true desire. It is, as one modern spiritual writer has called it, “a counterfeit of religious presence.” – Dr. Gerald May, Psychiatrist and Author of Addiction and Grace, p. 13
God's love persists, providing hope and a pathway toward redemption, enabling individuals to reclaim their lives and relationships in a way that honors their innate dignity as beings created in the image of God and being in right relationship with their Creator.