The dangers of addiction

Whether it is a martini, marijuana, Marlboro or lemon meringue pie, scripture teaches that all addictions have the same basic effect: they destroy your mind, your money and your mood.
Look at the warnings in Proverbs against two addictions: drunkenness and gluttony.
1. Your mind. Your mind will be led astray and deceived.
"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler, whoever is led astray by them is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1).
"When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." (Proverbs 23:1-3)
2. Your money. Your addiction will drain your finances and leave your poor. "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor..." (Proverbs 23:20-21)
3. Your mood. You will suffer sorrow and disgrace. You will descend into depression if you persist in feeding your addiction.
"Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? ... Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine..." (Proverbs 23:29-30).
"...a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." (Proverbs 28:7).

You will not be able to overcome your addictions until you first see how much they hurt you. The reason you are addicted is because you like how they make you feel. Do you want to lose control of your mind? Do you want to lose your money? Do you want your mood to descend into depression? If not, then you need to break free from your addiction. The first step is to recognize your problem. The second step is to call on the Higher Power of Jesus Christ to give you victory. For most people with addictions, you will need a third step of counseling.

Don’t wait—do it today!