Man Within Podcast 1070 - "Once An Addict Always An Addict" Is BS. Here's Why.
Dec 30, 2025
11:30
In mainstream recovery circles, the adage "Once an addict, always an addict" is commonly accepted. This episode rejects that philosophy as "absolute BS". While the saying originated with good intentions—to encourage sobriety vigilance and set realistic expectations for recovery —it is fundamentally dangerous because it attacks the believer's identity.
Know more about Sathiya's work:
- Join Deep Clean Inner Circle - The Brotherhood You Neeed (+ get coached by Sathiya) For Less Than $2/day
- Submit Your Questions (Anonymously) To Be Answered On The Podcast
- Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse, Your Blueprint For Recovery
- Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This
Chapters:
- (00:04) Rejecting the Adage: "Once an Addict, Always an Addict is BS."
- (01:00) Origin of the Adage in the 12-Step Program.
- (02:28) Why the Sayings are Not Biblical Truths.
- (02:47) The Good Intentions: Stay on Guard and Manage Expectations.
- (04:39) The Fundamental Issue: Identity.
- (04:55) Rejecting Non-Biblical Labels: "I was an addict, I am not the same person."
- (05:27) Jesus Did Not Die for You to Maintain the Identity of an Addict.
- (05:54) Story: The Psychologist Who Rejected the Term "Recovered Addict."
- (07:29) Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17—You Are a New Creation
- (08:35) Your Identity is Not Based on Your Works or Sobriety
- (08:52) Practical Step: Mirror Therapy (Pillar 3 of Recovery)
- (09:25) The Power of Declaring Truth into the "Windows of the Soul."
- (09:59) Action Step: Practice Mirror Therapy and Reprogram Your Subconscious.
- (10:48) The Last Relapse Book (Free Resource).