Your body has become dependent on drugs. This means your mind and body will crave the substance in order to feel normal. If you stop using, your body will feel sick. Then, you will want to use in order to feel better.
Breaking an addiction takes months and years. Recovery will last your entire life. Relapse should be viewed as a learning experience. Ask yourself what occurred to trigger the relapse? Then make a plan to fight that trigger in the future.
Addiction is a serious sickness. Whatever you have been doing has not been working. Instead, ask God for more help and direction. James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Today, psychiatrists, addictions counselors, and support groups can help people quit. You need to get professional, medical help and the support of a twelve-step group.
What kind of sin is an addiction? It is a “hamartia,” or a falling short of obeying God due to our fallen flesh. Jesus’ sacrifice covers that sin. “If we confess our sins (hamartia), he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9.
Yes, there is a certain willfulness in it, because we return to it. But we don’t return because we oppose God with hard hearts. An unforgivable sin is an act of open defiance against God. Addicts return to using because their minds and bodies crave the substance. The body is not trying to sin. The body is creating strong cravings because it is dependent.
So, be wise. Ask God for strength, wisdom, and direction. Attack this disease with professional help. Don’t give up. As long as you have a willing heart to try to stop – God will forgive you.
Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast Episode #1200: “Could an Addiction Block My Christian Growth?”
Learning to identify and manage compulsive and addictive behavior
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CQ Rewind Show Notes
