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Becoming a Christian does not guarantee immunity from problems or danger. However it does provide a means of coping with the stresses and problems of life without the need to resort to mood-altering drugs.

God made us the way we are, to function the way we do - naturally, not artificially.
(Psalm 139)

God should be in control of our lives (present and future). We are not 'our own'. He created our bodies as places where he could dwell. We need to be 'fit dwellings'.
( 1 Corinthians 6 verses 19-20 )

A drug is a chemical substance which alters the way in which a body functions, thereby affecting the person taking it physically, perceptually, behaviourally or emotionally; sometimes in a destructive or harmful manner. The purpose of using drugs medicinally is, as far as possible, to restore a person to full health, wholeness, Shalom. As such the responsible and controlled use of medicinal drugs is acceptable.
( 2 Corinthians 7 verse 1 )

The Bible teaches that man is tripartite, has three parts body, soul ( mind, emotions, will ) and spirit. Together these make up the whole person, therefore whatever affects one part of the person affects the whole, as each part is inseparably linked to the others.
( 1 Thessalonians 5 verse 23 , Corinthians 12 verse 12 )

The Word of God exhorts us to be under control, self-controlled. We should therefore, under Christ, be as much in control of what happens to us ( body, soul, spirit ) as possible.
( Peter 5 verse 8 , Titus 2 verse 12 , Galatians 5 verse 23 , 2 Timothy 1 verse 7 )

We are to be 'examples' and not 'stumbling blocks'. If our behaviour could be considered unhelpful to, or unacceptable by others, we need to think twice. In relation to our use or potential use of drugs ( as with any behaviour, lifestyle, choices ), we have a responsibility to ask ourselves what effect that use will have on ourselves and other Christians, as well as non-Christians. Will drug use cause any damages or harm ( physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, spiritually ), to either ourselves or others?
( 1 Corinthians 10 and 11 verses 10 - 31 to 11-1 )

A person who uses drugs may be responsible, in the fullest sense, for starting to do so. However, as Christians, we are responsible for any continuing habit. We are meant to face all things in the sure knowledge of the love of God and the sufficiency of His grace. We should not resort to drugs to circumvent the consequences of our actions, to blot out experiances ( however horrendous ) or escape realities. God has promised He will provide the means of escape ( which may sometimes mean taking us THROUGH the 'darkest valley'). Opting out is not an option for the believer.
( 2 Corinthians 9 verse 9 , Philippians 4 verses 11 - 13 , 1 Corinthins 10 verse 13 , Psalm 23 vrse 4 , Psalm 68 verse 20 )

We are not meant to have 'other gods / idols'. The things our lives revolve around become our 'gods'. For the addict, whatever the addiction, something has taken the place of God.
( Exodus 20 erse 3 - 4 , Romans 1 verse 25 )

If there is a risk involved in an activity, to ourselves or others, we are gambling with whatever is at risk, As Christians we are not our own - can we gamble with what is not our own or could that be classed as stealing? In risk-taking, are we sinfully testing God, "by behaviour which constitutes in effect a defiant challenge to Him to prove the truth of his words and the goodness and justice of His ways" (New Bible Dictionary)?
( Deuteronomy 6 verse 16 , Matthew 4 verse 7 )

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