Substance Addictions and the Hidden Chains That Steal Our Freedom

Many people live as though they are powerless—trapped, stuck, or simply surviving under the weight of habits they can’t seem to shake. But in Christ, we have access to a power far greater than anything that holds us captive. If we only knew the authority we carry, we’d stop calling our chains “normal” and start calling them out.

Addiction doesn’t always look like a bottle in someone’s hand or a needle in their arm. It’s often quieter, subtler, and far more socially acceptable. But that doesn’t make it any less dangerous. Some addictions wear suits. Others wear smiles. Many live under the radar, masking themselves as productivity, love, or even “just the way I am.” But at their root, they are all the same—bondage that keeps us from becoming who we were created to be.

If you’ve ever thought, “This is just how I cope,” or “This is just me,” pause for a moment. What if the way you’ve been surviving is actually the very thing holding you back from freedom?

Let’s go deeper into the many forms of addiction—not just substances, but behaviors, mindsets, emotions, and even spiritual distortions. Because freedom starts with awareness.

Substance Addictions
These are the ones we’re most familiar with. They’re visible, destructive, and often carry the most stigma.

• Alcohol
• Drugs (prescription, illegal, recreational)
• Nicotine (cigarettes, vaping)
• Caffeine
• Sugar
• Processed/junk food
• Painkillers
• Sleeping pills
• Energy drinks

These substances may promise comfort or energy, but often leave us emptier and more dependent. Many people use them to numb what they don’t want to feel. But numbing doesn’t heal—it only delays.

Behavioral Addictions
These are the habits that often start out innocent but can quietly take over our lives.

• Gambling
• Shopping (compulsive buying)
• Video games
• Social media
• Television/streaming
• Pornography
• Workaholism
• Excessive exercise
• Cosmetic surgery obsession
• Hoarding
• Thrill-seeking

When behaviors become the escape, the dopamine hit, or the way we measure our worth, they stop serving us and start enslaving us. What’s masked as lifestyle can easily become bondage.

Emotional & Psychological Addictions
Some addictions live entirely in the mind and heart. They’re deeply rooted and often mistaken as personality traits.

• Anger (constant outbursts, needing conflict to feel alive)
• Fear (making decisions based on anxiety, not wisdom)
• Stress (believing you need chaos to function)
• Drama (always being in or creating conflict)
• Victimhood (finding identity in being mistreated)
• Approval-seeking
• Control
• People-pleasing
• Perfectionism
• Gossip

These patterns often go unchecked because they’re emotional, not physical. But they’re just as addictive. And they rob you of joy, peace, and clarity.

Relational Addictions
Where connection becomes compulsion.

• Codependency
• Toxic relationships
• Love addiction
• Attention-seeking
• Sex addiction

Many are addicted to people—whether it’s the fear of being alone, the obsession with romance, or the inability to leave unhealthy dynamics. These aren’t just relationship problems. They’re soul-level issues rooted in identity and worth.

Thought Addictions
The quiet, repetitive thoughts that run our lives.

• Negative thinking
• Self-pity
• Comparison
• Self-doubt
• Overthinking

These don’t just happen to us—they become what we feed, protect, and repeat. And over time, they create mental prisons that feel impossible to escape.

Spiritual Addictions
Even our faith walk can be hijacked by unhealthy patterns.

• Religious legalism
• Superstition
• Spiritual bypassing

These are the addictions that make it about rules instead of relationship, rituals instead of trust, and avoidance instead of healing. It’s possible to be in church every week and still be bound.

The Common Thread?
All addictions—whether substance-based or soul-based—are counterfeit sources of comfort, identity, or control. They promise relief, but deliver regret. They offer escape, but cost us freedom.

And yet, here’s the truth that shifts everything:
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36

Jesus didn’t come to manage your addictions—He came to break them. But He won’t force your freedom. He invites you into it.
That invitation looks like:

• Becoming self-aware enough to recognize what’s not serving you
• Asking for help when the cycle feels too strong
• Letting the Holy Spirit do the deep work
• Surrounding yourself with truth, not just temporary relief

Some freedom comes instantly. Other times, it’s a process. But every step forward is still freedom.

Which of These Addictions Is Stealing Your Peace?
What are you using to cope instead of turning to Christ?
What has started to define your days, your energy, your identity?

This isn’t about shame—it’s about clarity.
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
This isn’t about legalism—it’s about liberation.

Here Are a Few Steps You Can Take Today:

• Pray for clarity. Ask God to show you where you may be stuck or relying on the wrong things.
• Get honest. Write down anything on the list above that resonates. Confession breaks denial.
• Talk to someone. Freedom is rarely a solo journey. Find a counselor, mentor, or trusted friend who can walk with you.
• Take one step. Don’t wait for a perfect moment. Every addiction loses power the moment you confront it in truth.

You were not created to live in cycles.
You were created to live in freedom, wholeness, and divine purpose.
And yes, it’s possible—even for you.

So the question is:
What’s been holding you? And are you ready to break free?

You don’t have to live in survival mode.
You don’t have to call dysfunction “normal.”
You don’t have to do this alone.

For more faith-based tools, teachings, and coaching on walking in purpose and freedom, visit layoobidike.com. Let’s rise together—whole, free, and healed.