The Destructive Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
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The head of a household is like a king, in that he is responsible before God as a steward of the family God has given him to oversee and protect. Proverbs 31:4-5 warns a king not to desire wine or strong drink lest he forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of those who live under his rule.

Isaiah 5:22-23 (NASV) says the same thing:

"Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink; who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!"

In counseling, we often see families who are in ruin because the family head has given himself currently or formerly to alcohol or drugs. Even when the use was halted years earlier, the destructive effects upon his and his family's souls and relationships may still be ongoing.

Our challenge is to minister the righteousness, justice, and lovingkindness of God. Jeremiah 21:12 (NASV) says:

"Administer justice every morning; and deliver the person who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor, that My wrath may not go forth like fire..."

The one who gave himself to the alcohol or drugs must fully see and repent of his self-centeredness and of the oppression and injustice it released. And those he afflicted must be healed and set free. For God says:

"...let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24 NASV).

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