The term "addicted" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of addiction can be understood through various scriptural principles and teachings. In the context of the Bible, addiction can be seen as a form of bondage or enslavement to sin, which is contrary to the freedom offered through Christ.

Biblical Understanding of Addiction

1. Bondage to Sin: The Apostle Paul speaks of the struggle with sin in Romans 7:15-20, where he describes doing what he does not want to do, indicating a form of enslavement. This can be likened to addiction, where an individual is compelled to engage in behaviors or substances despite negative consequences.

2. Mastery and Control: In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul states, "All things are permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. All things are permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." This verse highlights the importance of not allowing anything to have control over us, which is a key aspect of addiction.

3. Idolatry: Addiction can be seen as a form of idolatry, where the object of addiction takes precedence over God. In Exodus 20:3, the first commandment is, "You shall have no other gods before Me." When something becomes an idol, it takes the place of God in one's life, leading to spiritual and often physical detriment.

4. The Call to Sobriety: The Bible encourages believers to be sober-minded and vigilant. 1 Peter 5:8 warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Sobriety is not only about abstaining from substances but also about maintaining spiritual alertness.

5. Freedom in Christ: Galatians 5:1 declares, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery." This freedom includes liberation from the bondage of addiction, as believers are called to live in the freedom that Christ provides.

6. Renewal of the Mind: Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Overcoming addiction involves a transformation that begins with the renewal of the mind, aligning one's thoughts and actions with God's will.

7. Support and Accountability: The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and accountability in overcoming struggles. James 5:16 encourages believers to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." This mutual support is crucial in the journey to overcoming addiction.

Practical Implications

While the Bible does not specifically address modern concepts of addiction, its teachings provide a framework for understanding and overcoming it. Believers are encouraged to seek God's strength, rely on the support of the Christian community, and pursue a life of holiness and freedom in Christ. Through prayer, accountability, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, individuals can find victory over addictive behaviors and live a life that honors God.(imp. & p. p.) of Addict.4337. prosecho -- to hold to, turn to, attend to
... Word Origin from pros and echo Definition to hold to, turn to, attend to NASB Word
Usage addicted (1), beware (8), give attention (1), giving...attention (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4337.htm - 8k

3943. paroinos -- given to wine, drunken
... Word Origin from para and oinos Definition given to wine, drunken NASB
Word Usage addicted to wine (2). drunken, given to wine. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3943.htm - 6k

The Gnostic So Addicted to Truth as not to Need to Use an Oath.
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies. Book VII. Chapter VIII."The Gnostic So
Addicted to Truth as Not to Need to Use an Oath. The man ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii the gnostic so addicted.htm

If You Wish Me to Keep Silence, Cease from Accusing Me. Lay Down ...
... God. Listen, then, to that which Solomon the wise says about you and all
who are addicted to evil speaking and contumely. 43. If ...
/.../43 if you wish me.htm

I Write These Things to Warn You.
... aside! Footnotes: [706] ie, addicted to the error of Judaizing. [707] 1
Timothy 1:1. [708] ie, addicted to the error of Judaizing. ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the magnesians/chapter xi i write these things.htm

Against Men who Embellish Themselves.
... Like one who judges people by their foreheads, he will divine them to be adulterers
and effeminate, addicted to both kinds of venery, haters of hair, destitute ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii against men who embellish.htm

State of Affairs in 311
... he transcended all former emperors was his desire of debauching women." He was cruel,
superstitious, gluttonous, rapacious, and "so addicted to intoxication ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/section 3 state of affairs.htm

1 Cor. I. 10
... [5.] But that those who addicted themselves to this or that man were in
error, is evident. And rightly he rebukes them, saying, "Ye ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily iii 1 cor i.htm

Saving Faith.
... But, I mean this: here is a soul convinced of sin. Here is a man who is daily addicted
to drink. He is a drunkard. ... Here is another person addicted to lying. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ii saving faith.htm

Dedication.
... have a constitutional propensity"that they are not given up to all vices, they have
not run into every excess of wickedness, but, though addicted to certain ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/dedication.htm

Titus ii. 14-Nov
... And those who are addicted to augury and divination, and the like, should be corrected
"with all authority." Observe how he would have him insist on these ...
/.../homily v titus ii 14-nov.htm

Against Foolish Talking and Jesting.
... And such a resolution seemeth indeed especially needful in this our age (this pleasant
and jocular age) which is so infinitely addicted to this sort of speaking ...
/.../against foolish talking and jesting.htm

Addicted (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Addict. Multi-Version Concordance
Addicted (9 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 5:11 But what ...
/a/addicted.htm - 9k

Greedy (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 5:11 But what I meant was that you were not to associate with any
one bearing the name of "brother," if he was addicted to fornication or avarice ...
/g/greedy.htm - 13k

Addict
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (pp) Addicted; devoted. 2. (vt) To apply
habitually; to devote; to habituate; -- with to. 3. (vt) To ...
/a/addict.htm - 6k

Greed (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 5:11 But what I meant was that you were not to associate with any
one bearing the name of "brother," if he was addicted to fornication or avarice ...
/g/greed.htm - 12k

Fond (6 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Timothy 3:3 not given to excesses from wine, not a striker, but
mild, not addicted to contention, not fond of money, (DBY). ...
/f/fond.htm - 8k

Abusive (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 5:11 But what I meant was that you were not to associate with any
one bearing the name of "brother," if he was addicted to fornication or avarice ...
/a/abusive.htm - 9k

Gain (142 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 5:11 But what I meant was that you were not to associate with any
one bearing the name of "brother," if he was addicted to fornication or avarice ...
/g/gain.htm - 39k

Adding (20 Occurrences)

/a/adding.htm - 12k

Vicious (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Addicted to vice; corrupt in principles or conduct; depraved; wicked;
as, vicious children; vicious examples; vicious conduct. ...
/v/vicious.htm - 7k

Wicked (476 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Evil in principle or practice; deviating from morality; contrary to the
moral or divine law; addicted to vice or sin; sinful; immoral; profligate ...
/w/wicked.htm - 37k

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