The Chemical and Spiritual Makeup of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a chronic disease which commonly occurs in today’s society. Various secular treatments exist to treat drug addiction, but it is important for Christians to know and understand what the Bible has to say about it. This is not only useful for avoiding substances which may cause addiction, but it can also allow for the informed help to loved ones who may be going through this process.

Drugs are substances which alter the central nervous system, brain chemistry, or bodily functions. These substances may be administered to the body in various ways, including orally, topically, and intravenously. Although the use of the word “drugs” may cause one to think immediately of illegal substances, the term includes pharmaceutical products which are commonly found in our households, such as aspirin, antacids, antibiotic ointment, etc. Drugs can be classified in a large number of categories, and many of these can overlap. However, the seven most common drug types are: stimulants, depressants, barbiturates, hallucinogens, antidepressants, narcotics, and cannabis [1]. Different chemical substances possess a large variety of mechanisms of action to produce physiological changes in the brain. In the case of substances which lead to addiction, the key neurotransmitter is dopamine. Also known as the “feel good” neurotransmitter, dopamine is responsible for positively reinforcing behaviors that are necessary for our survival, for example eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse. This cycle can be drastically altered, however, and lead to an abnormal dopamine cycle, which causes drug users to find even regular activities less pleasurable and reinforces the substance abuse in order to increase pleasure [2].

It is highly important to make the distinction between substance use and abuse. Many individuals have had the experience of visiting a doctor and being prescribed certain medication. In cases such as this one, it is imperative that we follow a medical physician’s instructions exactly as they are given to us. Failure to do so not only leads to disastrous consequences for our health and well-being, it also constitutes abuse of these medications. Abuse becomes an even greater problem when individuals begin to use them compulsively or excessively in order to feel pleasure. On the other end of the spectrum, substances which are classified as illegal and their consumption punishable by law must never be consumed. Substance abuse may lead to various consequences, such as physical/psychological dependence, social repercussions, tolerance, overdose, and withdrawal.

Statistics show that young people are not immune to the effects of substance abuse. In 2015, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that approximately 12% of all youth consume illegal drugs by the time they’re 18. In addition, it was found that 1 out of 8 Americans is a heavy drinker or abuses illegal drugs [3]. The National Institute on Drug Abuse conducted another study which showed that between the years 2002 and 2015, the number of deaths by drug overdose increased by approximately 30,000 [4]. These statistics alone show us that drug abuse is a serious problem in this country which affects people of all ages, including teenagers and young adults. But just what is it that leads so many to drug addiction?

Typically, people are led to drug abuse by some sort of trauma they have experienced in their past, for example child abuse, rape, etc. Others are simply easily influenced by others. Whatever the case may be, a person’s past experiences cannot be an excuse, as God can rescue sinners from even the direst of circumstances (Ps 103:3-5). While the Bible does not explicitly speak out against drug addiction, it does mention the misuse of pharmaceuticals, or sorcery (gr. Pharmakeia), as one of the works of the flesh (Gal 5:20). Scripture also states that no good comes to those who spend their mornings and evenings drinking (Isa 5:11), that we must be on our guard, lest our minds be dulled from carousing and drunkenness (Lk 21:34), that the Devil prowls like a lion looking for whom to devour (1 Pet 5:8), and that God’s children must be sober and alert, as they belong to the day (1 Thess 5:6-8). The consumption of these drugs can also harm the physical body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19-20). In addition, those who have become addicted to drugs are allowing themselves to be dominated by something other than the Lord (1 Cor 6:12; Ex 20:3), fulfilling the desires of the flesh which are against the Spirit (Gal 5:17), and not submitting themselves to God’s law (Rom 8:7). On an even deeper level, by constantly seeking out the high that drugs provide, we are attempting to fill the void in our hearts created by sin; this void, or emptiness, can only be filled by Jesus Christ.

What hope is left for those who currently find themselves in a state of addiction? Research in the science of addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders has led to the development of evidence-based interventions that help people stop abusing drugs and resume productive lives [5]. But while addiction is considered a treatable disease and the vicious cycle can be explained by the chemical interactions of our organism, Scripture makes it clear that addictive behavior is part of a life that turns its back on the Creator and follows a path that is independent to the one traced out by God. It must be understood that sinful behavior is the symptom of a heart without Christ, empty and which seeks to satisfy a spiritual need far from the Lord (Jer 2:13). Therefore, the only way of restoration is Jesus, the Fount which quenches all thirst and heals the wounds of the heart. The reconnection with the Creator will lead sinners to walk in the opposite direction of the one Adam and Eve followed when they sinned in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3).

Without a doubt, the door of hope is open for all who come to Christ, placing them on a new path which points to sanctification, a process that leads us to fight the good fight and receive the Kingdom of Heaven (Eph 6:13). Those who live submerged in addiction must return to the Father through repentance (Isa 1:18), confession (Jas 5:16), elimination of all that leads to sin (Mt 5:29-30), and accountability to a mature believer (Ecc 4:9-12), all of which must be grounded in a solid devotional life (Ps 119:9-11, Mk 14:38).

The Father’s call to the church is to be a healing community, in love and respect, for those who seek restoration in Christ, providing healthy relationships of discipleship, fellowship, and support. We are given the challenge of integration. Faced with this, it will be up to the Church to remain biblical in clarity, sincerity, and wisdom, with a message relevant to the 21st century, making our own the words of Jesus and inviting the thirsty:

“But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again—ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life. ‘Sir,’ the woman said to Him, ‘give me this water so that I may never be thirsty…” John 4:14-15a.

Notes and References

1. Drugs of Abuse. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse (accessed May 12, 2017).

2. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain (accessed May 12, 2017).

3. Prescription Drug Use and Misuse in the United States: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. NSUDH Data Review, 2016, 1-72.

4. Overdose Death Rates. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates (accessed May 12, 2017).

5. Treatment and Recovery. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery (accessed May 11, 2017).

Originally published in R. Moraga, C. Moreno & M. Sanhueza (Eds.), Proceedings of the KLESIS Youth Convention 2017. Vol. 5, Nº 1, pg. 27-29, Bronx, NY, July 24-30, 2017.

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