This question has been posed by many, and finding the answer is crucial for anyone struggling with drinking or addiction. Understanding whether addiction or sobriety is a choice delves into the very foundations of these challenges. By grasping these fundamentals, you empower yourself to change your future.
Let’s explore this phenomenon more deeply and uncover the insights that can lead to transformation.
Do you understand what choice is?
We make choices every day, but are we truly making new decisions, or are we simply repeating the same choices? It’s perplexing that we often know certain behaviors are harmful to us, yet we still engage in them. Why do we act irrationally at times? The answer lies in the influences that precede our choices.
In many cases, choice can be more of a reaction than a deliberate decision, especially in the context of addiction. The influences that shape our behaviors often disguise themselves as choices. By understanding these influences, we can begin to alter our reactions—empowering ourselves to make different choices.
Consider the term “reaction.” It breaks down into “re-action,” which implies a repeated action. Many of our choices are simply habitual responses, leading us to find ourselves in the same places and facing the same outcomes repeatedly. We often operate on autopilot, unconsciously repeating patterns.
So, what influences our choices? Several factors come into play, including our state of being, thought patterns, knowledge, and level of awareness. Most of our decisions are reactions to these four elements.
When we learn to transform our state of being and thought processes, expand our knowledge about addiction, and heighten our awareness, we can effectively change our reactions. This shift allows us to break free from old patterns and make more conscious choices that align with our goals.
State of being
Our state of being determines approximately 75% of our life experiences. When it comes to drinking, the fundamental reason behind it is often the desire to change our emotional state. The question arises: why do we feel the need to alter our state? If we could consistently exist in a positive and fulfilling state, there would be little incentive for drinking.
Our state of being is the most significant factor influencing our choices. Reflect on the moments when we typically drink. Do we reach for alcohol when we are happy and joyful? Generally not. We tend to drink when we experience anxiety, stress, or depression. What these emotional states have in common is that they often trigger a state of fight or flight.
The fight-or-flight response plays a pivotal role in addiction. In this heightened state, we abandon logic and reason, responding instead to the language of pain and pleasure. We instinctively seek pleasure to alleviate our pain. This explains why irrationality often characterizes our behavior in the context of addiction; in such moments, reasoning takes a backseat to the survival instinct.
Our natural inclination is to avoid pain rather than pursue pleasure, making this avoidance a fundamental principle of human nature. This survival mechanism is deeply embedded in our nervous system.
Now, consider this question: If we operate primarily from a fight-or-flight state, and our nervous system is wired to prioritize avoiding pain, can we truly say that addiction or drinking is a choice? The answer is no; it’s not merely a choice. Instead, our survival mechanism drives us to drink as a reaction to our emotional state.
When we learn to recognize and understand the root causes of our fight-or-flight response, we can find healthier ways to soothe our nervous system rather than turning to alcohol. Mastering the ability to step out of this state of heightened stress can empower us to overcome any addiction.
Ultimately, our state of being is the most crucial aspect influencing our choices. By addressing the underlying issues that trigger our fight-or-flight response, we open the door to lasting change and recovery.
Thinking
Our thinking significantly influences our choices, and we can only make decisions based on our perceptions of addiction. In a sense, our perception acts as a playground, where all our choices are shaped by the mental frameworks we hold. For instance, if I view addiction as a disease, my choices will reflect a survival mindset. Conversely, if I see it as a basic setback, my actions will aim toward overcoming that challenge. If I view addiction as an opportunity for growth, I will be inspired and motivated to take positive action.
Consider the difference between people who fear flying and those who do not. The airplanes themselves are the same; it’s the perception that creates fear. Similarly, if we fear quitting alcohol, it often stems from our own mental models. By changing these mental frameworks, we can pave the way for effortless sobriety.
Our beliefs about flying—such as fears of turbulence or losing control—can shape our anxiety. By recognizing and reshaping these thoughts, we can eliminate fears that hold us back. Reflect on your beliefs about sobriety: what thoughts are preventing you from taking the leap toward a healthier life?
Ultimately, it all comes down to perception. The mental models we create around addiction and sobriety dictate the choices we make. When we change our thinking, we can change our lives in an instant. This highlights the profound impact that our thoughts have on our decisions and, ultimately, our paths to recovery.
Awareness
Have you heard people discussing concepts of free will? Some argue that we lack free will, while others assert that we possess it. In my view, we do have free will, but its extent is directly linked to our level of awareness. When we operate in a state of unconsciousness—constantly on autopilot—our free will is significantly diminished.
This is especially true in the realm of addiction, where the decision to drink often occurs without conscious thought. Addiction can be seen as a virus of unconsciousness. As modern-day individuals, we frequently navigate life in a state of unawareness, and this unconscious nature is particularly pronounced when it comes to addictive behaviors. In fact, this lack of awareness is one of the primary drivers of addiction. Engaging in drinking or other addictive behaviors leads us further into unconsciousness.
By beginning to break this cycle of unconsciousness through increased awareness, we can initiate significant changes in both our addiction and our lives. Rather than focusing solely on what we are doing, it’s essential to explore the question of why we make those choices. Understanding the underlying reasons behind our actions allows us to alter our choices in the future.
If we remain unaware of the root causes driving our decisions, making different choices can become challenging. That’s why it is vital to ask “why” consistently in life, shifting the focus away from the “what.” The “why” serves as the root cause of our actions.
Consider drinking as a phenomenon: when we break it down, we see that drinking itself embodies unconsciousness. Choosing to consume a substance that harms our bodies in search of temporary pleasure is, at its core, an unconscious act. Ultimately, addiction may be a manifestation of our unconscious state. If we were truly aware of our genuine nature and the inherent beauty of our existence, the last thing we would choose to do is poison ourselves for fleeting satisfaction.
Addiction represents a physical manifestation of our own unconsciousness. By learning to illuminate these unconscious elements and bringing our shadows into the light, we can dismantle the grip of addiction. Our awareness—both conscious and unconscious—plays a vital role in shaping the choices we make.
Knowledge
The last piece of this puzzle is our knowledge, which exerts a tremendous influence on our lives. Without proper information about addiction or a clear understanding of ourselves, it becomes challenging to make the choice to quit alcohol or break free from addictive behaviors.
Our level of knowledge directly shapes our thinking. How we think informs our beliefs, and our beliefs ultimately determine our destiny. If you don’t believe that you can quit alcohol or lead an extraordinary life, you are unlikely to take the steps necessary to achieve those goals. We act in accordance with what we believe to be true; therefore, our beliefs create our reality.
Consequently, our knowledge serves as the foundation for our beliefs. This is why it holds such sway over our choices. The sources of our information are crucial; who we choose to listen to can dictate our future. Seek knowledge from individuals who embody the life you aspire to live. If you rely on perspectives from those with limited mindsets—who view addiction simply as something to survive rather than overcome—you risk adopting that same narrow outlook.
Remember: your brain has the capacity to interpret perceived facts as truths. Life is not as fixed as we might think; your journey depends significantly on the mental programs you have in place. Equip yourself with knowledge that empowers you to grow and thrive. Steer clear of negativity and naysayers; there is always a path forward.
To illustrate this, consider why some people fear airplanes while others do not. For everyone, the airplane itself is the same, but perceptions diverge based on individual thought patterns. In this case, the fear arises from thinking, not the object itself. Similarly, if you fear quitting alcohol or making changes in your life, it often stems from your own thought processes.
When you introduce new information into your mind, you can reshape your thinking patterns and overcome fears. Knowledge is power, and the execution of that knowledge is a true superpower.
Forget the choice model, focus on your reactions
I believe we can confidently assert that addiction and sobriety are not merely choices; they are reactions to our internal and external influences. When we understand what drives our reactions, we gain the power to change them. By focusing on transforming your state of being, raising your awareness, and enhancing your knowledge about addiction as well as your self-awareness, you can make different choices in your life.
While it is possible to decide to quit alcohol without addressing the influences that shape your choices, doing so often requires significant willpower to resist drinking. This is because those underlying influences can continue to create a desire to drink. Natural sobriety—achieved through genuine understanding and change—is often the most harmonious form of sobriety.
At its core, both addiction and sobriety are states of being; drinking or abstaining from alcohol are extensions of these states. When you exist in a naturally positive state, the desire for alcohol diminishes. Conversely, when you live in a state of physical or psychological dysfunction, the craving for alcohol can emerge.
To facilitate lasting sobriety, focus on changing three key influences: remove factors that contribute to psychological dysfunction and engage in activities that enhance your well-being. By eliminating negative thoughts, limiting beliefs, self-judgment, shame, and unresolved traumas, you can elevate your state of being. Additionally, incorporating practices such as meditation, exercise, spending time with positive company, and reading can foster a healthier mental and emotional state.
Explore various methods to find what fits your lifestyle, and integrate those practices into your daily routine. This approach will allow your sobriety to arise naturally. The virus of unconsciousness can be countered through mindfulness techniques like meditation, journaling, and learning from those who lead the lives you aspire to live.
By changing these three influences, you can make healthier choices and pave the way for a brighter future.
Conclusion
By the end of this article, you’ll understand that addiction and sobriety are not merely choices but rather reactions rooted in our state of being, thinking, awareness, and knowledge. These three factors significantly influence our reactions, which in turn shape our choices.
As you reflect on this information, I encourage you to embrace a shift from viewing addiction through a choice model to understanding it as a reaction model. Recognizing the underlying influences allows for a deeper comprehension of your struggle and opens the door to meaningful change.
With this newfound perspective, you can begin to transform your reactions and, ultimately, your choices. I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into your journey toward sobriety.
