How To Repent for the Sin of Addiction to End it For a Lifetime

Many who sadly subscribe to today’s world view of addiction, tell you that it is as an incurable and hopeless disease. The problem with this is that it is NOT TRUE… it’s only a theory derived from godless people who needed to define it and who didn’t understand it at all. The things is that Scripture reveals exactly what addiction is. Addiction, according to Scripture is defined as idolatry, witchcraft, and drunkenness. Like any other sin, you confess it, repent, and it’s over and done by the Blood of Jesus. Addiction is a very strong and powerful spiritual stronghold that must be broken through true repentance and surrender to Jesus Christ. Repentance is not just saying sorry; it is turning away from sin completely and aligning and surrendering your life to Jesus Christ by following Him according to His commandments.

First, You Must Recognize the Sin for What It Is

Before repentance can occur, you must acknowledge that addiction is not just a bad habit or a fictitious disease… it is a sin against God Himself. The Bible states:

• Idolatry – Addiction places substances or behaviors in the position that rightfully belongs to God. Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” When addiction controls your life, it becomes your god.
• Witchcraft (Sorcery) – Many substances alter the mind and open doors to spiritual darkness. Galatians 5:19-21 includes “sorcery” among the works of the flesh, using the Greek word pharmakeia, which relates to drug use and spiritual deception. Here’s the verse for you to study and learn; it’s VERY serious because it determines your eternity: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
• Drunkenness – The Bible is clear that drunkenness is a sin. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 warns that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God. The word ‘drunkenness’ in the original Greek includes alcohol and substances that alter your mind.

A person cannot repent if they refuse to see the truth about their sin. Psalm 51:3 says, “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”

Next, You Must Confess and Renounce the Sin

Once you recognize addiction as sin, you must confess it before God with all sincerity and humility. 1 John 1:9 declares, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

True confession includes:

• Taking full responsibility – No blaming others, past trauma, or genetics. Own the sin.
• Be very specific – Confess the ways addiction has led you to sin against God and others.
• Renounce the sin – Declare before God that you no longer want any part of it and will never go back to it no matter what.

Next, Turn Away or Forsake the Sin Completely

Repentance means turning away from sin. Proverbs 28:13 states, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” True repentance requires:

• Destroying access to substances or addictive behaviors – Remove all temptations.
• Breaking ties with sinful influences – 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Bad company corrupts good character.”
• Cutting off all excuses – Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:30, “If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off.” Radical obedience is required to overcome sin.

Now, You Must Cry Out for Deliverance

Addiction is spiritual bondage. True repentance involves crying out for deliverance. Psalm 34:17 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

• Pray earnestly, asking God to break every stronghold in your life.
• Fast and seek spiritual renewal (Matthew 17:21).
• Submit to God fully, resisting the devil (James 4:7).

Going Forward: Walk in the Spirit Daily for The Rest of Your Life

Freedom from addiction requires a daily commitment to walking in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

• Stay in the Word – Meditate on Scripture daily and read your Bible more times each day than you eat. You can download an audio Bible, most of which are free. YouTube has audio Bibles as well.
• Be consistent in prayer – Develop a deep relationship with God and pray multiple times each day.
• Surround yourself with godly accountability – Find mature believers who will encourage you in righteousness. A believing Recovery Coach can be critical and super comforting for you. Make sure your recovery coach understands addiction personally.

6. Live a Life of Obedience and Restoration

Repentance is not just about turning from sin—it is about turning to Jesus. Ephesians 4:22-24 says, “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires… and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

• Seek reconciliation, if you can, with those you have wronged.
• Use your testimony to help others overcome addiction.
• Live in obedience to God, proving your repentance by your transformed life (Luke 3:8).

In Summary

Addiction is not just a struggle—it is a sin that must be repented of and forsaken. True repentance leads to transformation, freedom, and a restored relationship with God. Jesus is the only way to be set free. John 8:36 assures us, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Turn to Jesus Christ today, repent fully, and walk in the newness of life that He offers. If you want to pray with someone, please contact me on my contact page. The chains of addiction can be broken for life, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed rest of your day knowing that Jesus Christ is waiting to heal you completely when you come to Him and believe. Hope to see you in my next post. Bye for now.