Addiction recovery can be long and painful. But God’s word is the light that keeps us from darkness and a source of hope at all times. Through these Bible verses for alcohol addiction, you will find the support and encouragement to heal.
Alcohol dependence is usually a result of trying to satisfy the desires of the flesh instead of trying to find wholeness in Jesus.
You may start to worship and idolize alcohol which you think will help you but it only makes things worse. Alcohol starts to master, rule, and have power over you and you become enslaved by the alcohol.
But in God, there is always hope. He loves you and is willing and able to strengthen you and heal you from alcohol abuse.
If you’ll hold on to him and his words, you’ll be able to turn over a new leaf and have a testimony to share how God turned your mess into a message for others to learn from too.
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Bible Verses for Alcohol Addiction
Consuming strong drinks with no limits can make you lose moral inhibitions and personal self-control. When you’re overly intoxicated, you end up doing things you wouldn’t normally do and can even make a fool of yourself.
Substance abuse can lead you to make bad choices like lying, sexual immorality, and other works of the flesh. This can affect your family members, your performance at work, and your relationship with God. Excess drinking can also lead to drug addiction.
The important thing to remember though is you can start over with God. He will help you to say no to alcohol. Through his word, you can find the comfort and courage to overcome alcohol abuse.
The Bible actually has a lot to say about drinking, but here are just some of the numerous Bible verses for alcohol addiction!
Proverbs 20:1
Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise. Proverbs 20:1 NLT
It is not wise to drink excessively. It leads to addictive behaviors such as fighting, violence, and strife. This ends up destroying your relationships, family, and even your reputation.
These are some of the dangers of alcoholism. It leads to a lack of self-control and you end up making a fool of yourself so we can’t treat substance abuse lightly.
1 Peter 5:8
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NLT
The truth is we have a real and great enemy who is like a roaring lion. He is out to destroy us so he schemes, plots, and manipulates situations so we end up in trouble and a pit filled with shame, guilt, and disappointment.
So the Bible warns us to stay alert. Be on the lookout for your blind spots and weaknesses which the devil wants to use to get you into alcohol addiction. When you do, you render him powerless.
Proverbs 23:29-30
Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?
Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?
Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns,
trying out new drinks. Proverbs 23:29-30 NLT
This scripture about alcohol addiction highlights some of the effects of alcoholism.
It comes with anguish, sorrow, anger, and fighting with others. There is a lack of joy and peace when one is always in a state of drunkenness.
The Bible highlights the negative effects of substance abuse so we can see the dangers of it and its implications.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
The mind can be a powerful force of both good and evil. No one can see what you’re thinking so the devil uses that to fill your head with deception, and lies and tempt you to sin. Addictive behaviors start in the mind.
That’s why Apostle Paul in this scripture advises you to focus your mind on the truth of God’s word, on the positives so that you can overcome alcoholism and live a life that honors and glorifies God.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV
It may be difficult to overcome alcohol abuse with your own willpower and strength. But there is a higher power who can help. Through Christ Jesus, you can do all things including addiction recovery and having a sober mind.
We have a new identity in Christ. In Him, we are victorious and more than conquerors. There is no power that is greater than the name of Jesus and in his name, you can overcome the stronghold of addiction in your life.
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NIV
Just before Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, he invited 3 of his disciples namely, Peter and the two sons of Zebedee to go and pray with him. He went a little further than them to pray alone and when he came back to check on them three times and he found them sleeping.
It was at that time that Christ Jesus said these powerful words. In their spirit, the disciples wanted to pray with Jesus but their bodies and flesh were too weak so they slept.
We are encouraged to pray so that we don’t fall into temptation. The flesh is weak and usually disobeys God. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome the temptation of a strong drink which often leads to alcohol abuse.
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 NIV
It’s God himself who restores your body, soul, and spirit to what it was before the addiction. Yes, you may go through suffering, but that pain will be for a season and a reason, and at some point, it will end.
God’s love, compassion, and grace toward you will help you to become committed to addiction recovery and leading a life of sobriety and obedience to him.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV
When you’re trying to overcome alcohol abuse, you need to walk away from the bad company that can sway you to go back to your old habits. These people may not themselves have come to a point where they want to be set free from substance abuse so they want you to stay in the same dark place.
At this stage, it’s rather important to surround yourself with a support group that will encourage you on the journey. Family members can be great for you as you work towards having a sober mind. These are the people who you can lean on when you become weak and lose hope as you heal.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
When you do addictive behaviors like alcohol and drug addiction, your body and spirit make it uncomfortable and difficult for the Holy Spirit to reside. That’s why when you’re in sin, you struggle to pray, go to Bible study, or church, and meet with other believers. You feel like a sick person.
You received the Holy Spirit when you became saved. At that point, when Christ Jesus became your Lord, you are his.
The fact that you belong to him means you cannot do as you please but your lifestyle should be aligned to God’s ways. You were brought by his precious blood, so you honor him with your body, soul, and spirit.
Luke 21:34
But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. Luke 21:34 AMP
God encourages you to be on guard, ready for the return of Jesus Christ. You do that when you’re intentional about your actions and living a godly lifestyle.
But when your heart is weighed down in worry, stress, and depression caused by indulging in fleshly desires like alcohol addiction, you won’t be able to focus on God’s will and obeying him.
Then when Jesus comes, you won’t be ready and it will feel like a trap. God wants us to be ready for Christ to come anytime for we don’t know when he will do so.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
The pattern of this world is doing what pleases the flesh without caring about what the Bible says. This world is temporary but life after death and eternal life is temporary.
To overcome alcohol addiction, you need to intentionally renew your mind with God’s word. Not only that but be a doer of what the word says. As you follow the patterns of the Bible you know God’s love, his will and experience transformation and healing.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
The temptation that is coming your way is not new under the sun. Many others struggle with addiction not only to alcohol but power, junk food, working, gambling, or shopping.
The Bible offers encouragement in that God will faithfully never leave us alone to find a way out of temptation. He provides a way of escape and the Holy Spirit helps us walk away from temptation.
James 4:7
So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. James 4:7 AMP
Instead of submitting to alcohol and its influence, we are called to submit to God’s authority. We do that by resisting the plots and schemes of the devil and when we do he leaves us alone.
When Jesus was tempted for forty days, he used scripture to resist and defeat the devil. He came out victorious from the temptation. You can also use scripture to break free from alcohol abuse.
1 Corinthians 6:12
Everything is permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything [and brought under its power, allowing it to control me]. 1 Corinthians 6:12 AMP
In Christ, we have true and lasting freedom. But we can’t take that freedom for granted and see it as a license to do whatever we please. Most times what pleases the flesh is not beneficial to the spirit.
Drinking alcohol is permitted in the Bible. But drunkenness to the point where it enslaves you, dominates you, and makes you lose your judgment is not beneficial to you or those close to you.
Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, Titus 2:11-12 NKJV
The grace of God is for all of us. It’s not for the good people only or a certain class of people. When we become saved by faith, forgiveness, grace, and mercy leads us to desire a close relationship with Him.
That’s when he teaches us about godliness and denying worldly lusts such as alcoholism and drug addiction. Then we will have a sober mind and be able to live in a godly manner that is aligned with His word and grow to spiritual maturity too.
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him. Ephesians 5:18 AMP
This is one of the most powerful bible verses for alcohol addiction. We are not called to a lifestyle where we are over-reliant on alcohol and it has filled our bodies.
Rather, God calls us to be filled with the Spirit in our minds and in our behavior. The Holy Spirit will always guide us on the right path to act so that we bring honor and glory to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT
The Bible tells us the dos and don’ts that we need to follow if we are to inherit the Kingdom of God. Worshipping idols, committing adultery, stealing, and drunkenness are some of the don’ts in God’s kingdom.
So, we are warned to walk away from these behaviors with God’s help and support. He is a loving yet just God who knows what is good for us. It’s not worth it to miss out on eternity with our Heavenly Father due to alcohol addiction that’s why it’s important to overcome it.
Galatians 5:20-21
idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:20-21 NLT
This is another scripture that warns us of what we need to stop doing to inherit eternal life with God. Wild partying, drunkenness, and idolatry are some of the sins that the devil uses to enslave us.
When we become free from sin and accept God’s love, we will live a new life.
Isaiah 5:22
What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wine and boast about all the alcohol they can hold. Isaiah 5:22 NLT
Sorrow, pain, and heartache in this life and the next awaits those who boast about their excessive alcohol intake. The Bible advises us not to become heroes at alcohol consumption.
We should pray for the deliverance from alcohol addiction for anyone that we know is struggling.
Instead, our focus should be on having an intimate relationship with the Lord and growing in our faith. It’s more rewarding to be a hero of faith like the list in Hebrews 11.
Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV
This is such a powerful and encouraging Bible verse for alcohol addiction. Jesus Christ is our High Priest and he sympathizes with us in our weakness. He gives us this open invitation to come to him.
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, you can come boldly to Jesus to find mercy, love, and grace waiting for you. He will hold you and help you on your journey to be healed and set free from this addiction.
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV
If you’re carrying heavy loads in life, Jesus Christ will give you rest and refreshment. You may be struggling with alcohol abuse and have tried to quit so many times and failed, but come to him and lay your efforts down at his feet.
He will not judge or condemn you because he is a gentle and kind king. He will teach you all things so that you live a fulfilling and content life full of joy and peace in him.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 ESV
God’s word promises blessings and a reward if you love him and obey his commands. It’s not easy to do that in the fallen world we live in.
But the grace of God and his strength will help you to remain steadfast under the tests and trials of alcohol addiction and you will come out victorious and get the crown of life in eternity.
Romans 5:8
But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 AMP
One of the things the devil does so well is to make us doubt who we are as believers. He makes us doubt God’s love and his character.
But this scripture reminds us that Jesus didn’t wait for us to have it altogether and then die on the cross for us. Instead, he died for us while we were in sin. When we were a mess.
So if you’re struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, this is a reminder that Jesus Christ loved you so much that he sacrificed his life for you.
He is not waiting for you to get it together to accept you. He knows you and your weakness and accepts you as you are and will help you through this challenging season.
Prayer for Alcohol Addiction
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and grace. I’m struggling with alcohol addiction and ask you to help me to find the courage and strength to quit.
My hope is in you that l can have a sober mind and live a life that pleases and honors you.
Fill me with the Holy Spirit so l can lead a godly life. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
We have a real enemy who prowls around like a roaring lion and wants to destroy our lives and see us in the pit of hell. Alcohol abuse is one of many vehicles that he uses to destroy your soul and spirit.
Through prayer we can defeat the enemy in this area and rely on God to help break the chains of addiction.
Alcohol addiction harms your mental and physical health and well-being. The road to addiction recovery is not easy but it is worth it.
The Good News is that Christ Jesus has come so that we can live abundantly with a sober mind and have joy and peace in our lives.
As you decide to repent and turn away from your old ways which include alcohol abuse, Jesus invites you to turn to the Kingdom of God where you will find purpose and direction.
There is no point in being stuck in the past where there are past sins, failures, and regret. He is the God of new beginnings and will welcome you with open arms just like the prodigal son was welcomed home by his father in the Bible.
While seeking formal addiction treatment may be necessary, you will only find true healing through God’s love and a deep relationship with Him.
God’s love is always there and we can find hope, courage, and strength throughout our recovery.
