There will come a time as a parent when you will have to talk to your children about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol. You might wonder how to approach this subject if you’re living in a religious household. But there are tips for talking with your kids about substance abuse that use religious perspectives and Scripture passages that you can share to help them understand.
Tips for Talking About Drugs and Alcohol
Bringing up the subject of alcohol and drugs can be challenging on its own. It can be especially difficult if you have to discuss alcohol and drug rehab because you believe your child or children may need help.
The key point is to remember the character of God. God is patient, merciful, and compassionate. Thus, you will need to act in His likeness when you approach your children. Be sure to keep a non judgemental tone and let your children know that you are there for support. Remind them that you love them even if they’re experiencing a season of struggle.
Another thing to remember is that you can also consult Scripture. Use Bible verses that explain the points you want to express from God’s perspective. Explain to your children that we all fall short at one time or another, but our Heavenly Father is always there to pick us up when we fall.
Biblical Concepts to Cite
Having a list of verses ready can help you begin your conversation. You could use seven points to help your children understand how drug and alcohol abuse can damage their minds, bodies, and souls.
1. Your body is the temple of God
1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.
God shares His spirit with His children, and our bodies are the temples in which His spirit resides. Therefore, we must keep our bodies free of impurities and not behave in ways that could harm the spirit that dwells within.
Drug and alcohol abuse can cause or worsen several physical and mental illnesses, such as heart disease, cirrhosis, and depression. It can also affect your children’s relationship with the Holy Spirit.
2. You can have no other God in your life
Exodus 20:3
You shall have no other gods before Me.
In this verse, God made it clear that His children are to have no other gods before Him. In other words, no other person, thing, or activity should consume your child’s mind, heart, or soul.
Alcohol and drugs guide a person who’s enmeshed in the cycle of addiction. In a sense, the individual begins to worship the substances, since alcohol-seeking and drug-seeking behavior glorifies the habit instead of God.
3. Fill yourself with the Spirit instead of alcohol and drugs
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
This verse clearly states that getting drunk with alcohol can lead to debauchery. Debauchery is a term that refers to the excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.
Drinking could lead to domestic violence, sexual deviancy, road rage, accidents, and other dangerous behavior. They’re all works of darkness. Filling oneself with the Holy Spirit, on the other hand, can produce positive actions and events.
4. Sobriety offers protection
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Sobriety keeps a person sharp and wise to the tricks and tactics of the evil one. A sober mind is much less likely to fall into the trap of temptation and other dangers.
5. God provides a way out
1 Corinthians 10:13
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.
No child of God will be tempted more than he or she can bear. There is often a way out.
One way out is drug and alcohol rehabilitation. God provides this option to people who become addicted to substances. To help themselves, affected parties can grab the lifelines that He provides.
6. You have the strength not to let sin rule
Romans 6:12
Don’t let sin rule your body. After all, your body is bound to die, so don’t obey its desires.
We all make conscious choices as to what we will allow to rule us. There are choices in addiction.
A person can decide to let addiction and other problems rule, or a person can decide to have faith in the power of God to help him or her find assistance.
7. Christ will give you the strength to overcome addiction
Philippians 4:13
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
There is hope in the power of Christ. A believer can achieve anything if he or she relies on the strength of God.
Addiction doesn’t have to conquer a person because that person has a loving Savior who is strong enough to crush any habit. He delights in showing His strength to help His children overcome their weaknesses. An affected person should seek support from Him during times of struggle.
Talk to Your Children About Drugs and Alcohol
You now have some guidelines to help educate your children about drugs and alcohol. You can use this information to open a conversation with them. You might be surprised at how much light you can shed and how much hope you can bring.
For additional assistance, consider learning about 12 step programs and other addiction treatment that could provide spiritual nurturing and expert care.
Sources
cdc.gov – Alcohol Use and Your Health
drugabuse.gov– What Is an Addiction?
ibelieve.com – 10 Ways to Fight Against the Temptation to Sin
biblestudytools.com – New International Version
