[Biblemat] God and drugs (question/answer)

[Don Martin]

Hello Ed,

Thank you so much for your question and for making use of Bible
Questions. Please do so again. http://www.biblequestions.org  Please
check out Bible Truths http://www.bibletruths.net  Go to the archives
section of these sites for material and also go to the archives search page
and type in any subject or word you wish to explore. New material is
constantly being added to both sites. Any help you can give us in telling
others of these sites will be greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible, there is an
online Bible study course located in Bible Truths. While on the home page,
scroll down and enter.  While on the Map Site Page, click on "Online Bible
Study Course" in the table.  Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go
there.

You asked:

I have been told that all i have to do is express a desire to God about
wanting to quiet drugs, and he would take care of the rest. Yet,i continue
to have craveings,and fall victim to them. What do i do,where do i go? I
need some answers.

Reply:

First, you are to be commended for wanting to overcome your drug
dependency problem.  Different people have different levels of self-control,
a matter necessary to overcoming any addiction.  An addiction is bondage
(2 Pet. 2: 19).  The Bible teaches self-control, even to the point of
mastery over the body and appetites.  Paul said, "27: But I keep under my
body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have
preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (I Cor. 9).  God is
available and approachable on his own terms, but you must do your part.
The religion today of grace only and God only is deceiving many people
and, thus, causing many to resent God.  The truth, though, is God has never
promised to take over while man is passive, whether it involves spiritual
salvation or physical deliverance. Why not start by taking the Bible Truths
Online Bible Study course?  God through his word can help build self-control
(cp. Phili. 2: 13).  To check out the course, go to www.bibletruths.net and
enter through the door.  When on the Site Map page, click on "Online Bible
Study Course" in the directory. I would also suggest that you see out local
qualified help, both of a spiritual and medical nature.  I shall insert
below a relevant previously asked and answered question from the
archives of Bible Questions.

     Question: How about the Bible and drugs?

     Answer: Our question does not pertain to the legitimate use of
prescription drugs, but to what some call the recreational use of drugs.

    Drugs and clarity of mind. Any, who have used drugs or researched the
effects of drugs, know that all drugs, including marijuana, have varying
effects on the mind and judgement of the user. Drugs in general produce an
euphoric and pseudo accelerated state of mind (this is why they are used). A
common effect is a perceived state of well being. The Bible teaches we are
to maintain a truly clear state of mind and avoid anything that interferes
with this mental acumen (Tit. 2: 4, 6). Man does not need chemical help in
effecting the unreal (cp. Prov. 14: 12, 15, 2 Cor. 13: 5).

    Drugs often result in dependency. I realize that heroin is more likely
to result in severe dependency than barbiturates. However, there is an
attendant danger of dependency with all drugs. There are three basic types
of dependency drugs. They are drugs that depress the central nervous system
(narcotics such as codeine, morphine, and alcohol); those that stimulate the
central nervous system (such as cocaine and amphetamines); and those that
produce hallucinations (such as LSD and Psilocybin). The Bible requires
self-control and teaches against dependency (I Cor. 9: 24-27, 2 Pet. 1: 6).
Peter taught, ".for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in
bondage (2 Pet. 2: 19).

    There are a number of factors that encourage drug abuse. A person's
environment, anxiety, pleasure seekers, and a lack of courage to face
problems all contribute (cp. I Cor. 15: 33; Phili. 4: 6; 2 Tim. 3: 4; I Cor.
16: 13). Beloved, one of the fruits of the flesh ("witchcraft") has a
history of drug use (pharmakie, from which we derive pharmacy, Gal 5: 20).
Resist the devil and he will flee (Jas. 4: 7).

Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in spiritual
matters. I recommend that you print out this email for future reference (web
addresses, etc.). You may print out any material you desire in both Bible
Questions and Bible Truths (see the copyright provision at the bottom of the
home page in Bible Truths).

Cordially,
Don Martin