Editor’s Note: 2025 Update
At Good Landing Recovery, we believe faith is one of the most powerful tools in overcoming addiction. This article has been updated with clearer structure, stronger encouragement, and current insights to support both those in recovery and their loved ones. The verses below remain timeless, pointing to God’s power to restore lives and bring peace to those in pain.
Why Faith Matters in Recovery
Addiction is not just a physical or emotional battle. It is also deeply spiritual. Many people turn to substances to escape pain, anxiety, or a lack of purpose. Their loved ones carry their own burdens of fear, confusion, and heartache.
What both sides need is hope. While therapy and professional treatment are essential, the Bible offers something irreplaceable. It reminds us that God is present, willing, and able to walk with us through recovery. These verses can become anchors in that journey, speaking truth into the chaos and offering strength when human willpower runs dry.
1. Jeremiah 17:14 — A Prayer for Healing
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
This verse is a cry for help and a declaration of faith. It can become a daily prayer for someone battling addiction, acknowledging their need for healing and placing full trust in God’s ability to restore.
It also mirrors the surrender often found in the 12 steps. You are not alone in this. God sees, God knows, and God heals.
2. John 14:27 — Peace in the Middle of Fear
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Addiction creates chaos, and fear thrives in the unknown. This verse offers peace, not as a temporary fix but as a lasting promise from Jesus Himself.
It is a reminder to both the addict and the concerned loved one that God’s peace is not dependent on circumstances. It is deeper, stronger, and always available.
3. Matthew 11:28–29 — Relief for the Weary
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Recovery is exhausting. For many, the weight of addiction, guilt, and failure feels like too much to carry. Jesus offers an alternative.
He invites you to rest, to learn from Him, and to walk with Him. It is not about perfection. It is about trust and surrender. This verse gently reminds us that we do not have to keep pushing through in our own strength.
4. James 5:15–16 — Healing Through Confession and Prayer
“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well. The Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Addiction often flourishes in secrecy. Shame keeps people isolated. This verse speaks directly to that.
Healing begins when we bring our struggles into the light. Confession and prayer are not about judgment. They are about healing, restoration, and community. God uses others to help us walk toward freedom.
Need Help Beyond Scripture? You're Not Alone
While Scripture can be a strong foundation, lasting recovery often requires additional support. That is where Good Landing Recovery comes in. We combine faith-based treatment with proven recovery strategies to help you or your loved one find freedom from addiction.
You do not have to do this on your own. Reach out today and take the first step toward healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bible really talk about addiction?
Yes. While the Bible does not use the term “addiction” as we understand it today, it clearly addresses issues like drunkenness, self-control, and spiritual bondage, all of which relate closely to addiction.
Can a Bible verse actually help someone who is addicted?
Absolutely. Scripture brings comfort, strength, and direction. When paired with counseling or professional treatment, it becomes a powerful source of transformation.
Which Bible verse is best for someone in recovery?
Jeremiah 17:14 is a great one to start with. It acknowledges God as the ultimate source of healing and encourages us to put our full trust in Him.