Addiction is more than just a habit or a weakness. It’s deeply tied to unmet needs, those places in our hearts and minds where pain, loneliness, or confusion have taken root. Addiction becomes a way to cope, a strategy to fill the gaps that feel too wide to bridge otherwise. When life’s challenges weigh heavily, or when we feel isolated from others and even from God, addiction can sneak in as a false comfort, promising relief but ultimately keeping us stuck.
This struggle isn’t about willpower or moral failing—it’s about trying to survive when the weight feels unbearable. Whether it’s addiction to substances (alcohol or drugs), behaviors like pornography or overeating, or emotional crutches (control or approval seeking), these patterns are attempts to soothe the rawness inside. Understanding this gives us compassion for ourselves and others, and it opens the door to real healing.
The journey toward freedom from addiction is not a straight line. It involves stages—moments of progress, and sometimes, moments of relapse. Freedom doesn’t mean never struggling again; it means being empowered to choose again and again.
When setbacks happen, they don’t erase the work you’ve done. Think of it like bushwhacking a new trail. Each time you return to that path, it becomes easier to follow, even if you stumble along the way. With patience and persistence, the natural man’s pull becomes less powerful and healing grows stronger.
One essential part of healing is honesty. Addiction thrives in secrecy and shame, but true freedom requires us to be fully honest with ourselves and others. It means acknowledging when we fall, understanding why it happened, and filling the gaps that allowed us to step back into old patterns. This honesty builds a foundation for change and helps prevent relapses from turning into cycles of despair.
Having a support system is crucial. The people closest to us, often those most hurt by our struggles, may not be the best accountability partners because their pain can cloud the relationship. Instead, finding a group or a trusted person who can cheer you on, hold you accountable, and share their own experiences can provide the encouragement needed to keep moving forward. Real support means connection, and connection is the opposite of addiction.
We also must recognize the power of triggers—the people, places, emotions, or situations—that draw us back toward addictive behaviors. These triggers create patterns in our lives that can be hard to break. Healing means learning to identify these triggers early and interrupting the cycle with healthier habits, new coping strategies, and positive choices. It’s about building new “chemistry” in the brain by adding uplifting, healing experiences that can replace the pull of addiction.
Here are two real-life examples of how this can look in practice:
Example 1:
A young woman struggling to quit smoking kept a sucker in her mouth to keep busy. When she felt the urge to smoke, her housemates would lovingly interrupt her and remind her to choose a healthier option. This simple system of accountability and distraction helped her build new habits step by step, supporting her journey toward freedom.
Example 2:
A man addicted to painkillers began taking a nutritional supplement designed to support brain chemistry and mood balance. Within weeks, his cravings lessened dramatically, making it easier for him to focus on healing emotionally and spiritually. This practical addition became a powerful tool in his recovery toolbox.
Healing also requires us to embrace grace and responsibility simultaneously—what we call 100% ownership with 0% shame. Guilt is the feeling of “I made a mistake,” which invites change and learning. Shame is “I am my mistake,” which traps us in despair and isolation. When shame rises, remember that the true enemy is not yourself but the adversary who wants to convince you that you are beyond hope. God’s love, through the Savior Jesus Christ, invites you to choose differently, to find freedom, and to be transformed.
As you do this work, remember that the people around you—those who have been hurt by your addiction—may not immediately see or feel the changes in you. Healing relationships takes time, patience, and honest communication. Sharing your progress with kindness and without expectation helps build trust and opens hearts to reconciliation.
True freedom is found in obedience to eternal laws, growing step by step, like a child learning to walk. When a child stumbles, we don’t condemn them; we lift them, encourage them, and help them try again. Similarly, every stumble in your healing journey is an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward with grace.
The freedom you seek isn’t the absence of struggle—it’s the presence of choice. When you release old patterns, you make room for peace, joy, and purpose. And as you lean on God’s power, you will be transformed, becoming a new person, ready to live a life you love to live.
You are Not Alone
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, know this: you do not have to walk this path alone. There is hope, healing, and a community ready to support you. Healing is possible, one step, one choice at a time.
Invite to Listen
We invite you to listen to our full podcast series HERE where we explore these truths, share more stories, and offer practical tools for healing and recovery. Whether you’re walking the road of addiction yourself or supporting a loved one, there is help and hope available.
