Addiction is one of the greatest battles many young adults face today. Although this post is written for young adults, the strategies to breaking free from addiction mentioned transcend age. Whether you’re 18 or 80, these principles can help you break free. As Admiral William H. McRaven said, “Our struggles in this world are similar, and the lessons to overcome those struggles and to move forward changing ourselves and changing the world around us will apply equally to all.”
Understanding the Nature of Addiction
Addiction is not just a habit; it is a stronghold that can take root in your mind, body, and soul. It could be an addiction to pornography, alcohol, social media, or something else. Regardless of the substance or behavior, addiction chains you to something that ultimately takes away your freedom.
Breaking free from addiction is not a quick fix; it is a lifelong journey. This might sound daunting, but it’s important to realize that you’re not alone. Many have walked this path and found freedom, even when it seemed impossible at first.
It’s a Lifelong Journey
One of the key truths about overcoming addiction is recognizing that this battle will be a long one. Depending on how long you have struggled with your addiction, you might have to take drastic measures to truly break free. For instance, social media and TV shows may seem harmless, but they can trigger harmful behaviors.
Take the story of the Israelites in the Bible. After being freed from Egypt, they were tempted to return to slavery whenever things got hard (Exodus 16:3). Likewise, when the pressure builds in your life, you may feel the temptation to return to old habits. It’s important to understand that while the Son sets you free, you have to be intentional about maintaining that freedom.
3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” - Exodus 16:3
As the saying goes, “Where there was a fire, ashes remain.” Even when you overcome addiction, there may still be a vulnerability to relapse. Jesus warned us about this in Luke 11:24-26, where he explained that when an unclean spirit leaves a person, it searches for rest. If it finds none, it returns to the house it came from, bringing seven more spirits, making the person worse than before.
24 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.” - Luke 11:24-26
Stay Vigilant in Your Conduct
Breaking free from addiction requires vigilance. It’s not enough to simply pray and hope for change. While God’s grace is powerful, you must also take practical steps to safeguard your freedom. Consider addiction like an enemy in a war. The enemy knows your weaknesses, and if you don’t actively protect yourself, the enemy will exploit those vulnerabilities.
Here are some strategies that can help you fight addiction:
1. Distance Yourself from Triggers
Triggers are those situations, people, or things that make you want to return to your addiction. For example, if social media tempts you or brings you down a path of comparison or lust, consider taking a break from it. Delete the apps, limit your time, or, if necessary, stay off completely. Trust me, you won’t miss it.
Shows and programs can also act as triggers. What you consume matters. If there’s a TV show that promotes unhealthy behaviour or mindsets, it’s time to let it go. If conversations with certain friends lead you down a destructive path, avoid them. Set firm boundaries and protect your mind.
2. Surround Yourself with the Right People
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” said Jim Rohn. Surrounding yourself with a positive, uplifting community can make or break your recovery journey. It’s essential to find accountability. Join a recovery group, talk to a pastor, or find a trusted friend who can hold you accountable and support you. You don’t need to fight this battle alone.
Join forums or communities where the pressure to perform and achieve is great, and people push each other toward growth. Associating with like-minded people who are also on a journey of freedom will motivate you to stay committed.
3. Create New Habits
Breaking free from addiction is not just about quitting the bad behavior. You need to replace bad habits with good ones. This is one of the most important secrets to staying free.
For example, if you have a habit of scrolling endlessly on social media, you could replace that time by learning a new skill. You could upskill yourself, learn a language, take up an instrument, or even start going to the gym. The key is to fill the void that addiction leaves behind with activities that build you up instead of tearing you down.
If you’re unsure of where to start, you can also begin the journey of personal development. You can check out my personal development blog, Beyond Self Discovery to find inspiration for your personal growth journey.
Stay Consistent
These strategies will only work if you maintain consistency. Breaking free from addiction isn’t a one-time event; it requires daily, intentional effort. Every day, make the choice to live in freedom by replacing your bad habits with productive ones.
As you work on these strategies, remember to keep God at the front and center. Lean on His strength, not your own. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Even if the freedom doesn’t come instantly, don’t give up. You may fall, but if you continue to seek God and strive for freedom, you will be free.
Conclusion: A Lifelong Commitment
Breaking free from addiction is not easy, and it’s not something that happens overnight. But with determination, accountability, and the grace of God, it is possible to live in freedom. This journey will require you to make sacrifices, distance yourself from negative influences, and establish new habits that lead to a healthier and more productive life.
Remember, you are not alone in this battle. God is with you, and there are people who can support you along the way. Stay consistent, keep the faith, and know that freedom is within your reach.
For more on the reality of addiction, check out this post: Chains Are Still Chains No Matter How Comfortable.
Stay tuned for the next post where we’ll dive deeper into the spiritual and practical steps to breaking free from addiction!
