Drug Addiction: Drug Addiction Facts

Question: Mormons and drug addiction?

(Posted by: Follow-the-narrow-gate on 2008-06-10 21:31:43)

So I am planning on getting baptized into the LDS church. I have told them I smoke and I am attempting to quit. I am a recovery addict and no longer use drugs... should I tell the missionaries about this, or does it really matter?

Posted by: Wilma Duckie Deene on 2008-06-10, 21:45:00

If you feel you need to tell someone you can choose to disclose at your prebaptism interview. (While I was a missionary, we taught a woman who struggled with an issue for many years and when she disclosed this before baptism, she felt much better.) The most important part is keeping sober, once you are baptised, you get a completely new start. (You can also ask to talk to the Bishop/ Branch President of the ward/ branch you will be baptised in too.) Just don't beat yourself up and take it one day at a time. If you do choose to disclose, you won't be judged, you will be loved and supported. Best of luck to you in quitting smoking. Have a super day!!

Posted by: joshsybs on 2008-06-10, 21:34:25

It doesn't matter. Baptism is a rebirth and you are cleansed from all sin when you are baptized. So your past doesn't matter. If you promise and covenant to keep the word of wisdom that suffices.

Posted by: leyliz on 2008-06-10, 21:34:41

I would admit it. isn't that a part of baptism?

Posted by: God's servant on 2008-06-10, 21:40:17

First of all the Mormons do not give Deity to Jesus, the very definition of this is the spirit of anti-christ. So if I were you I would not worry about the pot, I would just get the hell otta' there.

Posted by: aprilchick70 on 2008-06-10, 21:40:45

Yes you should tell the missionaries because they can get information on how to quit smoking or even if you do happen to relapse on the drugs from the bishop. This will not stop you from getting baptized, and it might actually help you. Even people who have been members all their life have to talk about past sins, even if we've repented from them, although its not a talked about long. Telling them about your recovery, they can give you the strength to quit smoking too.. (I apologize if this makes no sense. My meds have weird side effects)

Posted by: Cattie-brie on 2008-06-10, 21:43:12

I'm not Mormon, but i would certainly hope it wouldn't matter!

Posted by: Bekah Rose on 2008-06-10, 21:43:48

Josh is quite correct (again, man you're making that a habit). It is something from your past that you have already changed your lifestyle and thought patterns to correct. One reason you might bring it up with your priesthood leaders in the future would be if you think you might be slipping into old patterns of behaviour that could lead back to the drug use. Then you might bring it up to give them background on the situation so that they would be better enabled to help you. Also, be prepared for a lot of nasty responses due to your decision to get baptized. But *hugs* for you decision and welcome!! I'm so excited for you!

Posted by: Kerry on 2008-06-11, 14:59:23

It doesn't matter that you have done these things. Baptism is the process whereby all of our past misdeeds and shortcomings are "washed away " by the power of Christ's atonement. As you prepare to follow Christ the rest of your life, it would be good that you tackled the tobacco and drug problem with all means at your disposal, ie prayer, fasting, priesthood blessings, counseling, therapy, as necessary, etc.

Posted by: Free To Be Me on 2008-06-11, 19:17:46

I am sure that most of the answerers are not aware that the missionaries have access to a program to help people stop smoking. You should tell them to get some more help. BTW, my dad quit smoking after 50 years of smoking. He went through an insurance company - sponsored program. He was told that it is easier to recover from a heroin addiction than from nicotine. It will not be easy. Also, research has shown that women have a harder time quitting than men because women's bodies have a harder time overcoming the nicotine addiction. Unfair, eh? Any additional help you can get would make it that much less hard. Good luck!

Posted by: hibby76 on 2008-06-11, 20:48:45

Can't hurt to bring it up if it's weighing on your conscience. We're told to "repent and be baptized ". Repentance before baptism is important, although often under emphasized. You repent and then baptism cleanses you from those sins. Once you've been baptized, you'll do the same thing every week. You'll repent of your sins and then take the sacrament.