What is a Christian view of addiction? Does the Bible say anything about addiction?

TL;DR:

The Bible recognizes addiction as a real struggle and calls us to find our fulfillment in God, not in substances or habits that ultimately ensnare us.

Addiction is a word typically used to describe a person's dependence upon a substance or habit, either physically or psychologically. Though traditionally used in relation to the abuse of alcohol or drugs, people also use addiction to describe an unhealthy focus on other areas ranging from food to video games. The Bible acknowledges addiction as a real struggle and offers guidance for overcoming it through God’s power and support from others. It calls us to replace harmful habits with a deep love for God (Deuteronomy 6:5) and encourages believers to help restore those caught in addiction with gentleness (Galatians 6:1–2). The Holy Spirit provides strength to resist addiction, as believers are called to be filled with the Spirit rather than controlled by substances or behaviors (Ephesians 5:18). While God may not remove every temptation, His grace is sufficient to overcome our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). Ultimately, God calls us to depend on His strength, seek support from the community, and pursue transformation through His Spirit.

from the old testament

The primary solution to addiction to a substance or practice is to replace it with a focus on God. Addiction often results from attempting to fill a void within ourselves with substances or habits that cannot fully satisfy. Deuteronomy 6:5 tells us what we should fill it with instead: "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

from the new testament

The Bible clearly notes that addictions are a real problem people face in this world. For example, church leaders are told not to be addicted to much wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).
Sexual purity is also often an area of emphasis in the Bible, teaching believers to flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). Sexual sin is often addictive in nature.
The Bible is clear about finding help for addictions. This help ultimately comes from God as we replace old habits with new ones. Colossians 3:8–10 explains, "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Galatians 6:1–2 shares that others can help against addiction, "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
James 5:19–20 also encourages others to help those facing addiction, "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."
The Holy Spirit helps provide power against addiction. The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:18, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."

implications for today

While God provides solutions for responding to addiction through the power of His Spirit, a call to follow Him, others to help in the journey, and practical steps, it is also important to note that God may not take away every area of temptation. For example, the apostle Paul faced an unknown "thorn in the flesh" though he repeatedly prayed for God to take it away (2 Corinthians 12:1–10). Though God gave him the grace to deal with it on a daily basis, he still continued to struggle with it. In some cases, God may allow the temptation or struggle to remain; however, this does not mean we are to give up. Instead, it causes us to depend on God's grace: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (1 Corinthians 12:9).

Addictions are a very real issue, but they are not impossible to overcome with the help of God and God's people. It should also be noted that one way God provides for people is through common grace. Addiction is often a multi-layered issue—both in terms of what prompted the addiction and in overcoming it. Engaging a community that includes brothers and sisters in Christ from your local church as well as professionals in the field can be very useful. Christian counselors and support groups can be great tools. Also note that some addictive substances and behaviors cause physical changes to the body. Medical intervention can be appropriate; it may even be required in order to safely detox from a particular substance. These various treatment modalities can be received with gratitude to God, knowing that ultimately it is Him who brings healing and victory. Scripture offers much encouragement regarding the reality of addiction, God's power to fight addiction, the importance of other believers to help, and the strength of God's Spirit for the believer who seeks to fight against addictive struggles.

understand

Addiction is a real struggle, and the Bible calls us to find fulfillment in God.
God provides strength to overcome addiction through His Spirit and the support of others.
Believers are called to help those struggling, trusting that God's grace is sufficient even when temptations remain.

reflect

How do you seek fulfillment in God when faced with temptations or addictive behaviors?
What practical steps can you take to replace harmful habits with a deeper love for God in your daily life?
How have you experienced God’s strength in overcoming areas of struggle or temptation?

engage

What role does the Christian community play in helping someone overcome addiction?
How can a deeper understanding of God’s grace help when dealing with persistent temptations?
What does it mean to be “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) rather than controlled by a behavior or substance?