How To Walk Away From Addiction And Never Look Back | PART 1
How to Break Free from Addiction and Never Look Back
Have you ever felt like addiction just won’t let go? Like no matter how hard you try, it keeps whispering in your ear, telling you you’re missing out or giving up too much?
That’s not a coincidence. It’s a trap—and it’s the oldest trick in the book.
Literally.
Addiction’s Origin Story: A Lesson from Adam and Eve
Let’s go back to one of the oldest stories we know: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They had access to everything—peace, beauty, abundance. But they were told not to eat from one tree. One. And what happened? The serpent whispered. The focus shifted to the one thing they “couldn’t” have.
That whisper is what addiction does. It pulls your focus to what you can’t have, not what you already do.
Focus is Everything—What You See is Where You Go
Recovery is about retraining your focus.
Imagine a tightrope walker. If they look down, they fall. They have to fix their eyes on the end goal. The same applies to addiction: if you keep looking at what you're "missing," that's exactly where you’ll go.
This is why people relapse. They’re looking backward, not forward.
Addiction Steals By Distraction
Addiction doesn’t just tempt—it distracts. You could have a life full of blessings, but all you’ll see is the thing you think you're missing. And that leads to:
-
Resentment
-
Self-pity
-
Justification
-
Relapse
It whispers: “It’s not fair. You’re a grown adult. You deserve this one thing.” But in chasing that “one thing,” you end up losing everything else—your time, your money, your relationships, your peace.
Recovery is About Gaining, Not Just Giving Up
Let’s flip the narrative.
Yes, recovery asks you to let go of something. But it gives you back so much more:
-
Clarity
-
Joy
-
Purpose
-
Real connection
-
Self-respect
One of my coaching clients put it perfectly: “Nights may be quieter, but days are richer—full of deep, meaningful experiences.”
Don’t Fall for the “It’s Not Fair” Trap
Maybe you’re thinking, “I’ve earned this—I should be able to relax with a drink or smoke.” That’s the sleight-of-hand. That’s the trick.
Addiction wants you looking over here while it takes from you over there.
It’s the same trick. Every time.
Here’s How You Beat It:
-
Catch the whisper. Notice when you start focusing on what you “can’t” have.
-
Shift your focus. Look at what you do have, and what you’re working toward.
-
Refuse the pity party. Self-pity fuels relapse.
-
Practice gratitude daily. Seriously—it rewires your brain.
-
Be a blessing. Focusing on helping others brings new blessings into your life.
Final Thoughts: Freedom Starts with Focus
You don’t have to keep falling for the lie. The voice that says you're missing out is lying to you. You’re not missing out—you’re waking up.
You can start building a life that feels better than addiction ever did.
And when you do? That old trick? It loses its magic.
Amber Hollingsworth
👉 Download the Invisible Intervention Workbook
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
🆓FREE Downloadable Resources: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/free-resources
🙋🏻♀️FB group for family members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyrecoverysupport
📆Make An Appointment With One Of Our Specialists: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/consultations
Get 10% off Virtual Counseling with our sponsor BetterHelp 👇🏻 https://betterhelp.com/PutTheShovelDown
💯Incredibly accurate personality tests that light up your life—at home, at work, and in relationships 👉🏻 https://www.truity.com/?a=5122460
📚Amazon Book Recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/addictionrecoveryresources-hopeforfamilies
