Can a person be a born-again Christian and still be addicted to drugs?

"My 21-year-old son accepted Christ one-and-a-half years ago and at that time he said he was delivered from drug addiction. He was successful in staying off of drugs for about six months. Now he's acting just like he used to when he was using. He won't admit it, but others I've spoken to tell me that they think he is still using. He's out of work (not even trying to find a job) and sleeps almost all day long."

Receiving Christ has nothing to do with addiction. If the person recognizes he is a sinner and needs a Savior, Christ is willing to save him. I think though that many people get spiritually deceived and then the cares of the world come in and snatch away that seed (like in the parable of the four soils) and the person can have what could be called a spiritual miscarriage.

I know the power of addiction. My daughter was an addict for seven years and has had a year of recovery. Now she is in school to become a certified substance abuse counselor and has a strong walk with the Lord. Being a Christian is a journey; it's growing into the likeness of Christ, and that is a process.

I personally have a rule that you don't live in my house and do drugs. If drugs have been an issue, one of the requirements for living here is periodic, surprise drug testing. It's about $30 for the test and helps keep the house clean. It is important for you to know where the men's shelters are and be ready to say, "I love having you here with me when you are clean. You have chosen to do drugs, so until you have one month clean you can either live at _____ or _____. Which would you like me to call first?" Give your son or daughter as many choices as you can. None of us do well when people tell us what to do. Make sure that you take care of yourself. Don't get angry, shame him, or tell him what to do. Tell him what you are going to do: live in a drug-free house.

Further reading: ;My Husband, a Youth Pastor, was Addicted to Pain Pills.


Photo Credit: Alex Klopcic