Introduction: Our study does not pertain to the legitimate use of prescription drugs, but to what some call the recreational use of drugs (I Tim. 5: 23).

I. Drugs and clarity of mind.

  A. Any, who have used drugs or researched the effects of drugs, know that all drugs, including marijuana, have varying effects on the mind and judgement of the user .

  B. Drugs in general produce an euphoric and pseudo accelerated state of mind (this is why they are used). A common effect is a perceived state of well being.

   a. The Bible teaches we are to maintain a truly clear state of mind and avoid anything that interferes with this mental acumen (Tit. 2: 4, 6).

   b. Man does not need chemical help in effecting the unreal (cp. Prov. 14: 12, 15, 2 Cor. 13: 5).

II. Drugs often result in dependency.

  A. I realize that heroin is more likely to result in severe dependency than barbiturates. However, there is an attendant danger of dependency with all drugs.

  B. There are three basic types of dependency drugs.

   a. They are drugs that depress the central nervous system (narcotics such as codeine, morphine, and alcohol)

   b. Those that stimulate the central nervous system (such as cocaine and amphetamines)

   c. Those that produce hallucinations (such as LSD and Psilocybin).

  C. The Bible requires self-control and teaches against dependency (I Cor. 9: 24-27, 2 Pet. 1: 6). Peter taught, "…for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage (2 Pet. 2: 19).

III. There are a number of factors that encourage drug abuse.

  A. These factors are:

   a. A person's environment (I Cor. 15: 33)

   b. Anxiety (Phili. 4: 6)

   c. Pleasure seekers (2 Tim. 3: 4)

   d. A lack of courage to face problems (I Cor. 16: 13)

  B. One of the fruits of the flesh ("witchcraft") has a history of drug use (pharmakie, from which we derive pharmacy, Gal 5: 20).

IV. Addictions can be overcome

  A. A number of biblical principles assists: Phili. 4: 8; I Thes. 5: 17; Phili. 4: 13; 2 Pet. 2: 19 cp. Rom. 6: 17, 18, Ps. 119: 11.

  B. Resist the devil and he will flee (Jas. 4: 7, cp. Prov. 23: 31).