Monthly Archives: May 2020

Issues to Consider Before Marrying An Addict

It is well known that substance abuse or addiction doesn’t mix well with marriage and other long-term committed relationships.

If you are considering getting married to a drug user, it is important to first consider the consequences and potential issues that may come along as time goes on. Only you can make a decision about whether or not to marry that person you love but before you decide here are some things to understand.

Family perspective

In general, it can be said that for drug addicts, the only true passion is their addiction. The more they get into the substance abuse, the more time and money they invest into maintaining the habit. It turns into a cycle of trying to find the drugs, consuming them, and looking for money to get the next dose. Care for family, love for children and spouse and participation in family activities all move to a distant second place over drugs.

Providing for the family also becomes a problem when the addiction is the priority. It is very difficult to get and keep a decent job. Either there will be a lot of job turn over or the person may completely give up looking for a job after experiencing a few lost job opportunities due to the addiction related issues.

Christian perspective

Drug addiction is a particularly devastating addiction that steals from a person of their life, their self-worth, their family and job, their dignity, and their intimacy with Christ.

Many Bible verses can be interpreted to suggest that addiction is a sin. In the Book of Corinthians Apostle Paul warns that temptations can overpower us, but we are given the resources to overcome those temptations.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13

Though the use of drugs is not common in the Biblical times, there are several references about the abuse of alcoholic substances such as wine which in today’s terms can be equated to alcohol and drug abuse.

“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” PROVERBS 20:1

 “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” EPHESIANS 5:18

 “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.” TITUS 2:3

Even though addiction to alcohol and drug is serious and many times difficult to get out of, God provides a way out. Rehab and addiction treatment can help individuals overcome the disease, and many people believe spirituality is a key component of recovery.