Answers

By   •   July 14, 2016   •   Topics: ,

Q:

I admit I probably smoke pot a bit more than I should (it's legal in our state), but now my wife is getting after me because she says I'm addicted to it and turning into the equivalent of an alcoholic. Can harmless drugs like pot really do that to you?


A:

No drug is harmless, and experts I have consulted agree that almost any drug can become addictive—including marijuana. When that happens, a person becomes more and more dependent on it, and may find it almost impossible to break away from it on their own. Gradually it ruins their life and destroys their relationships.

Don’t be upset at your wife; be grateful instead that she cares about you and doesn’t want to see you descend into a pit of destruction and despair. But God cares about you even more than she does, and He wants to help you break free of this drug. You admit elsewhere in your letter that you’ve never had anything to do with God. But God has not abandoned you, and the most important step you can take is to turn to Him and ask Jesus Christ to come into your life.

How will Christ help you? First, He’ll help you face your situation honestly—not only what you’re doing, but why you’re trying to escape from your problems through drugs. Then He’ll give you a new desire and a new strength to do what’s right, as you realize how much He loves you.

Christ also can help you through others. Seek out a church where you’ll learn to follow Christ, and can find people (even former addicts) who will help you and encourage you. Jesus’ promise is for you: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).