Your Love Is My Drug

Main Point of Discussion:
The world paints a self-destructive picture of love, so we need to focus on the true definition of love given by God.

The Song:
“Your Love Is My Drug”

“Your Love Is My Drug” is by Ke$ha—a 23-year-old American recording artist and songwriter—from her debut album, Animal. “Your Love Is My Drug” (Animal’s third single) hit the top of the Billboard Pop Songs chart in early June; it’s at number seven this week (it’s number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart). The main idea behind the song is being so in love that you stop thinking clearly and rationally, akin to what happens to someone who uses drugs.

Introducing the Song:
While passing out a copy of the song lyrics, say, “You’ve probably already heard Ke$ha’s pop tune ‘Your Love is My Drug,’ which will be the focus of our discussion. As we play the song, reference the lyrics and see what jumps out at you.

Song Lyrics: “Your Love Is My Drug”

Maybe I need some rehab
or maybe just need some sleep
I got a sick obsession
I’m seeing it in my dreams

I’m looking down every alley
I’m making those desperate calls
I’m staying up all night hoping
Hit my head against the walls

(Pre-Chorus)
What you got, boy, is hard to find
I think about it all the time
I’m all strung up my heart is fried
I just can’t get you off my mind!

(Chorus)
Because your love, your love, your love is my drug
Your love, your love, your love
I said your love, your love, your love is my drug
Your love, your love, your love

Won’t listen to any advice
Momma’s telling me I should think twice
But left unto my own devices, I’m addicted, it’s a crisis!

My friends think I’ve gone crazy
My judgment is getting kinda hazy
My status is gonna be affected if I keep it up like a love sick crackhead

(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)

I don’t care what people say
The rush is worth the price I pay
I get so high when you’re with me
But crash and crave you when you are away

So I got a question;
Do you want to have a slumber party in my basement?
Do I make your heart beat like an 808 drum?
Is my love your drug? (huh) Your drug? (huh)
your drug? (huh)
your drug? (huh)
Is my love your drug?

(Chorus 2x)

(speaking)
heyyy, heyyy your love, your love, your love, your love
(whispered) is my drug
I like your beard

Transitional Statement:
Obviously there is a straightforward message and comparison in this song, but the more important issue is her perspective on love and relationships, and if it’s a healthy way to look at one of the key experiences we’ll ever have on earth.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

1. AROUND THE CIRCLE: Before we dive in, everyone take a turn and tell us your name and if you’ve ever had a crush on someone.
2. ASK A FEW: What’s the difference between a childhood crush and truly being in love?
3. ASK A FEW: Which one is Ke$ha describing? Why?
4. ASK A FEW: Do you think her comparison between love and drug addiction makes sense? Why or why not?
5. ASK A FEW: Do you think she enjoys her condition? Why or why not?

6. ASK A FEW: Is it possible for true love to be similar to drug addiction? Why or why not?
7. ASK A FEW: What advice would you give Ke$ha if she were your friend?

8. ASK A FEW: What would you say to a boyfriend/girlfriend if he or she wrote this song about you?

Read the following passage from the Bible:


1 Corinthians 13:4-10 (The Message)
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end. Love never dies.


9. ASK A FEW: What differences are there between Ke$ha’s view of love and God’s definition?
10. ASK A FEW: Which version of love are we more used to witnessing or feeling: the addiction type or the one from 1 Corinthians 13?
11. ASK A FEW: If we treat love like a drug, will we ever truly experience authentic and loving relationships? Why or why not?
12. ASK A FEW: What are the dangers of treating love like a drug?
13. ASK A FEW: What are the benefits of defining love the way God does in this passage?

* Youth Leader – it may be helpful to briefly discuss the meaning of the Greek word agape from this passage and how it defines love. In fact, agape seems to have been virtually a Christian invention—brand-new word for a brand-new thing. (Apart from about 20 references in the Greek version of the Old Testament, agape is almost non-existent before the New Testament.) Agape draws its meaning directly from the revelation of God in Christ. It’s not a form of natural affection, however intense, but a supernatural fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It’s based on the will rather than one’s feelings, and it’s the foundational element in Christlikeness. (http://bible.org/illustration/1-corinthians-13)

14. ASK A FEW: How would the world be different if everyone treated love more like agape and less like a drug addiction?
15. ASK A FEW: Why do so many couples who say they’re “in love” end up hurting each other so badly?
16. ASK A FEW: This passage also describes the way God loves us; if we focus on that truth more than seeking out a love addiction, how would our lives be different?
17. ASK A FEW: What descriptions of love from 1 Corinthians 13 are some of the most difficult to live out? Why?

Transitional Statement:
When you compare the biblical definition of true love with the addictive kind described by Ke$ha, it seems clear that using love to meet an inappropriate or unhealthy need will lead to a world of heartbreak. On the other hand, if we focus on loving God and others in the same way God loves us, we’ll avoid the pitfalls and heartbreaks of unhealthy teenage relationships and find God’s true will for our relationships. To get started on the path, let’s try a little exercise that we can use to help us change our view of love.

(Pass out paper and pens as the students return to the large group.)

Wrap Up:
Ask the students to take a few minutes to fill in the blanks with their names:

____________ never gives up.
__________ cares more for others than for self.
_________ doesn’t want what he/she doesn’t have.
________ doesn’t strut,
_______ doesn’t have a swelled head,
_________ doesn’t force himself/herself on others,
__________ isn't about “me first,”
_________ doesn’t fly off the handle,
_________ doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
_________ doesn’t revel when others grovel,
_________ takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
_________ puts up with anything,
__________ trusts God always,
__________ always looks for the best,
__________ never looks back,
__________ keeps going to the end.

Close in Prayer:
Close in a prayer that gives students a chance to trust Christ, then ask God to give everyone his perspective on love so we can live it out each day.