The Bible does not explicitly mention illicit drugs, as many modern drugs were not invented at the time it was written. However, the Bible does provide principles regarding intoxication and addiction that are applicable to drug use today.
Drunkenness and Intoxication
The Bible consistently condemns drunkenness and warns against the excessive use of alcohol. Getting drunk is listed among serious sins that can prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21). God commands His people to avoid drunkenness and instead be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
Several verses illustrate the dangerous effects of drunkenness:
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
“Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.” (Proverbs 23:31-32)
While the Bible allows for the moderate consumption of alcohol, it clearly prohibits intoxication. The principle behind these warnings against drunkenness is that substances should not be abused in a way that impairs judgment, morality, and health. This principle would apply to recreational drug use today, which alters one’s state of mind.
Idolatry and Sorcery
Some verses in the Bible associate drug usage with idolatry and sorcery. For example:
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions.” (Galatians 5:19-20)
“Outside are…everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Revelation 22:15)
The Greek word translated “sorcery” is pharmakeia, which is the root of our modern word pharmacy. In the 1st century context, pharmakeia referred to certain pagan practices that involved consuming mind-altering substances to induce mystical experiences or gain power and knowledge. The Bible denounces these practices as spiritually dangerous.
Likewise, illicit drug use today for recreational, emotional escape, or enlightenment purposes could fall under the biblical prohibitions against sorcery and idolatry. Using drugs as a substitute for God is idolatry.
Self-Control and Sobriety
The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-control and sobriety. Passages encourage believers to be disciplined, alert, reasonable, and sober:
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7)
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
Recreational drug use often involves loss of inhibition and self-control. Instead, Christians are called to live intentionally and exercise wisdom over their minds and bodies.
Caring for the Body as God’s Temple
Since the Holy Spirit resides within believers, the Bible urges care and purity when it comes to the body:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
“Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (Romans 6:13)
The healthy functioning of one’s body and mind matter to God. Voluntarily polluting the body through substance abuse goes against honoring it as His temple.
Avoiding Harmful Associations
Christians should thoughtfully consider who they choose to associate with, as companions impact behavior:
“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked.” (Psalm 1:1)
Since many drugs are obtained illegally from questionable sources, believers should avoid those relationships and environments. Even where drug use itself is legal, it often occurs in settings that dull one’s conscience to other sins and nurtures addiction.
Obeying Governing Authorities
The Bible instructs Christians to obey governing rulers and authorities as part of living honorable lives:
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution.” (1 Peter 2:13)
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities.” (Titus 3:1)
Followers of Christ should model exemplary citizenship. In places where recreational drug use is prohibited by law, obedience to civil authorities means refraining.
Seeking Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Far from bringing liberty, drug abuse leads to dependence and habitual behaviors that are extremely difficult to break free from. The Bible points believers to prayer, godly community, and the Holy Spirit as sources of help and true freedom:
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
God promises to be near to the brokenhearted and save the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Rather than self-medicating through substance abuse, Christians can draw comfort, peace, and joy from His presence.
Honoring God above All Else
The supreme call on every Christian’s life is loving and worshiping God:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Any activity that dulls one’s passion for God or commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly should be avoided. Christians affirm that nothing compares to knowing Jesus (Philippians 3:8).
Conclusion
The Bible does not directly address recreational drug use as we know it today. However, through broader principles and warnings against excess, addiction, and influences that separate people from God, the Scriptures give substantial reason to avoid illicit drugs. For believers who have become entangled in substance abuse and addiction, God offers hope, grace, and power to overcome. As Christians, the call is to honor God in everything – including what we put into our bodies.