It is tempting for an addict to excuse his behavior on events in our lives; on people around us, such as family members or friends; or on the suffering that we endure. Excuses such as these allow us to think of ourselves as victims and to place the responsibility for our addiction on another person or on the challenges we have faced. It is true that people or events in our lives contribute to our decision to abuse alcohol or other drugs. It is also true there is more to the story of our addictive behavior than the people or events in our lives. We are not simply victims of the people or events in our lives. If that were the case, then we would be unable to change our behavior. In other words, if our addictive behavior is purely the result of things that have happened to us, then we would be unable to change on our own.
We must realize that we are able to make our own decisions, not simply surrender to the power of others. We must claim our own power. While it might give us a sense of comfort to place the blame for our addictive behavior on somebody else, this is not the whole story. We are responsible for the decision to begin abusing drugs; we are responsible for the decision to stop to stop using drugs.
God has given us the gift of free will and Jesus has suffered and died to save us from the power of sin. As He said, “If the Son frees you, you will be really free.” The Son has truly freed us, and we need not continue to be the slaves of sin. You can decide to change your behavior, to change your life. You are in charge of your life. Not the people you know; not the sufferings you have endured. You, you are in charge of you.
It’s time to stop placing the blame for your behavior on other people or on what you have been through. It’s time to stop being a victim. It’s time to claim your power, to assert your freedom. You are not under the control of somebody else; you are not a slave of forces outside of yourself. You are an independent person who can make your own decisions. Claim your power and become the person you are called to be.