Addiction

Overview

Addiction is a persistent dependence on a harmful behavior or substance. It can disrupt the ability to listen to the Spirit and limit agency. Many who struggle with an addiction suffer from shame or a sense that they are unlovable. They may feel discouragement and despair that recovery is not possible. Yet with God, nothing is impossible (see Luke 1:37). All can be healed and protected through Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

“Addiction has the capacity to disconnect the human will and nullify moral agency” (Boyd K. Packer, “Revelation in a Changing World,” Oct. 1989 general conference).

“For those of you who have fallen prey to any kind of addiction, there is hope because God loves all of His children and because the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ makes all things possible.

“I have seen the marvelous blessing of recovery that can set one free from the chains of addiction. The Lord is our Shepherd, and we shall not want as we trust in the power of the Atonement. I know the Lord can and will free the addicted from their bondage, for as the Apostle Paul proclaimed, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’ (Philippians 4:13)” (M. Russell Ballard, “O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One,” Oct. 2010 general conference).