The Lethal Danger and Deception of Labeling Addiction as a Disease

Understanding the true meaning of sin is essential for anyone seeking freedom and restoration through Jesus Christ. In today’s culture, addiction is often viewed as a disease—something purely theoretical that falsely creates a clinical picture that causes addiction to be outside the individual’s moral responsibility.  This is a bald-faced lie!  Understand that from a biblical perspective, addiction is classified as sin because it involves idolatry, self-destruction, defiling His Temple (our bodies), and a rejection of God’s design for our lives. Recognizing addiction as sin is not about condemnation but about hope, because Christ offers forgiveness and TOTAL healing.

Sin, according to Scripture, is any thought, word, or action that goes against God’s will and character. It is missing the mark of God’s perfect standard. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin separates us from God and leads to spiritual death. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Niar Importantly, sin is not just about breaking rules; it’s about breaking our relationship with our Creator.

Addiction is a form of sin because it involves surrendering control of our lives to substances or behaviors instead of to God. In essence, addiction becomes idolatry. Exodus 20:3 commands, “You shall have no other gods before me.”  When we turn to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or other addictive behaviors for comfort, peace, or escape, we are placing those things above God and bypassing Him completely!

The world often labels addiction solely as a disease to remove personal responsibility.  We must remember that addiction has become a multi-billion dollar industry based on the disease ‘theory’.  So, trying to change that theory into reality is almost impossible due to the money being made.  While addiction may have physical and psychological components, the Bible emphasizes the spiritual root, which is sin. Recognizing addiction as sin brings accountability into focus,  but also the hope of complete and total healing by God through repentance and transformation through Christ. Unlike secular recovery models, which may teach lifelong identity as an “addict,” God offers complete freedom and a new identity in Christ.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Sin enslaves us. Jesus said in John 8:34, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”  Addiction exemplifies this bondage, as it takes control of a person’s thoughts, actions, and desires. The good news is that Jesus came to break these chains and set us free.  John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Acknowledging addiction as sin is the first step toward true recovery. Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward God. Acts 3:19 urges, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” True repentance is not just feeling sorry but completely committing to a changed life and making the Godly choice to not go back.

When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us. 1 John 1:9 says,”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” . God never lies because he can’t. Hebrews 6:18 says, “it is impossible for God to lie”  Forgiveness through Christ removes the guilt and shame that often accompany addiction. This forgiveness empowers us to walk in freedom and peace. Unlike secular recovery models that may focus on self-effort, God’s grace enables true transformation and total healing.

Through Christ, you are not defined by your past addiction. Romans 6:4 promises, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”   Walking in the newness of life means daily surrendering to God and living by His Spirit.

Overcoming addiction involves both spiritual and practical steps. These include regular prayer several times each day, reading God’s Word as often as you eat food plus upon awakening and going to sleep, seeking accountability from your recovery coach and other trusted believers, and removing triggers for temptation. Galatians 5:16 encourages, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”  God’s Spirit empowers us to overcome sin 💯.

Viewing addiction as a sin rather than a theoretical disease brings hope because Jesus is the ultimate healer. Through repentance, forgiveness, and the power of the Holy Spirit, complete freedom is offered to you. Turn to Christ, who is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. He will restore what addiction has taken and lead you into a life of peace and purpose.

Have a great rest of your day and weekend knowing that you (or your loved one) have NO disease and that there is the hope of total healing once you believe and follow Jesus Christ and His commandments. Hope to see you in my next post. Please subscribe so that you get notified. Bye for now!