The Battle No One Sees
Breaking the Chains of Addiction and Anxiety from the Inside Out
The mind is both the most dangerous weapon and battleground. The mind is at war with itself. Have you ever had trouble thinking straight, competing agendas, or constant confusion?
There are moments when you feel like you are determined to escape from prison and break free-from addiction, toxic habits, and destructive patterns. The next moment, the cravings kick in, anxiety levels increase, or self-doubt leaves you wondering, Is this even possible?
I've been there.
Breaking free isn't just about behavior modification—it's about changing your mindset and admitting yourself to a soul detox. The battle front is not merely your actions, but the underlying thoughts behind them you have to take captive.
If you are battling with anxiety, addiction, or both is not just isolated to you alone. You are not alone. The fight is real and messy, but freedom is waiting for you on the other side.
Three Battles That Keep Us Defeated
The Fear Change Will Never Happen.
Anxiety whispers: What if I'm always like this?
Addiction adds: You'll never break free. Don't even try.
When we repeatedly hear these thoughts, we naturally start believing them. We assume we're trapped forever.
Truth: Change is possible. You are not doomed to stay stuck forever.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here!"
Freedom isn't instant but possible—and God's power is more significant than your struggle.
The Pressure to Do It by Yourself
Many people think they'll finally fix themselves if they just try work and try harder.
I just need more willpower.
If I was stronger, I wouldn't struggle like this.
I am letting everyone down.
Truth: Willpower won’t do it but waving the white flag in surrender will.
Zechariah 4:6 – "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord."
Your fight is futile if you think you can do it alone. Real change happens when we stop relying on ourselves, Surrender, and start relying on God's grace.
The Assumption That Fixing the Habit Will Fix Everything
Many people give into the assumption that once they stop an addiction or behavior, everything else will work itself out. That’s not always the case.
If I just quit drinking, I'll be okay.
If I stop overeating, I won't experience guilt and shame.
If I stop numbing out, my relationships will heal overnight.
Truth: Addiction is often an outward manifestation of something much deeper.
Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Breaking free isn’t just about what you will stop doing—it’s about building new, healthy disciplines for life.
Do You Want to Win the Battle in Your Mind?
Identify the Root Cause
What are you trying to escape from? Is it mistakes from the past? Unhealed and unresolved wounds and traumas?
What situations, emotions, or thoughts trigger your cravings and behavior at the very outset?
Getting honest about "the why" behind your turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms is the first step to breaking free.
Replace Toxic Thoughts with Truth
Your thoughts determine your direction. Thinking and believing you will never change will only keep you defeated.
Philippians 4:8 – "Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—think about such things."
Shift your focus on God’s truth, not the lies that imprison you.
Build New Coping Strategies
When anxiety hits, you need healthy alternatives to turn to instead of old habits.
Replace alcohol → Spend time in worship & prayer.
Replace scrolling for hours → Go for a walk and breathe deeply.
Replace numbing out with TV → Journal your thoughts and pray through them.
You don't just need to stop bad habits—you need to replace them with life-giving ones. A great resource is the best-selling book Atomic Habits."
Find People Who Will Journey with You
You weren't meant to fight alone. The Battle belongs to the Lord, and with God’s people because we are better together!
We are only as sick as our secrets. You can’t heal what you won’t reveal. Find trusted people like a sponsor, spiritual mentor, support group, or accountability partner. The right people will be on the journey themselves and will want to link arms with you.
James 5:16 – "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."
Healing is intentional and not accidental. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation but in community. God created us for community.
You Have a Fighting Chance
Anxiety doesn't have the final say. Addiction doesn't define you.
The battle is real—but so is the victory that comes through Jesus.
I wrote A Fighting Chance to help others see that breaking free is possible—and that you don't have to fight alone.
If you're struggling today, don't give up.
You can learn more about A Fighting Chance here.
No matter where you are, God is not done with you yet.
You have a fighting chance.