Home
/
Expert opinions
/
Interviews with experts
/

How identity change helped break free from addictions

Breaking Free | Mindset Shift Fuels Mixed Reactions on Addiction Recovery

By

Ayesha Khan

Feb 13, 2026, 10:16 PM

Updated

Feb 15, 2026, 04:48 PM

2 minutes reading time

A 52-year-old man smiling with a look of determination, symbolizing his journey of overcoming addictions like gambling, alcohol, and porn through a change in self-identity.

A new perspective on overcoming addictions is igniting debate online, with some individuals openly questioning the necessity of identity change for recovery. As stories circulate, opinions are divided.

The Ongoing Conversation Around Addictions

A 52-year-old man has turned his life around after decades of battling gambling, alcohol, and pornography addictions. He credits a shift in mindset, stating, "I just donโ€™t do those things anymore." This radical change has helped many reassess their identities.

However, skepticism lingers in the community. Some comments challenge whether this viewpoint truly applies to everyone battling addiction. One forum participant remarked, "Keep lying to yourself, bruh," voicing doubt regarding identity transformation as a universal remedy. Another user suggested that if someone can maintain sobriety, they may not have been addicted initially.

Interestingly, another comment highlighted a troubling connection, stating, "I see the same pattern.. Iโ€™m also addicted to gambling and porn and I see that one can trigger the other one as well." This acknowledgment emphasizes the intricate relationship between different addictions, particularly the difficulty of quitting pornography.

Community's Role in Shaping Perspectives

As discussions unfold, many participants applaud the value of supportive communities. One remarked, "Good for you man! But posting this in 16 subs in one day makes it look like youโ€™re karma farming," revealing mixed feelings about sharing recovery achievements publicly.

A user's query added complexity to the conversation, asking, "What did you do when you relapsed?" This challenges the simplified notion that simply changing oneโ€™s identity suffices as a comprehensive solution for overcoming addiction.

Shifting Views on Addiction and Identity

The debate showcases the multifaceted nature of addiction and its recovery process. Some view changing one's identity as a source of strength, while others critique it as dismissive of addiction's inherent complexities.

Key Themes in Recent Comments:

  • Criticism of Identity Change: Some argue that focusing on identity oversimplifies addiction recovery.

  • Complex Triggers: Individuals express awareness of interlinked addictions, highlighting the challenging nature of recovery.

  • Skepticism on Motivation: Concerns about individuals sharing success stories for validation rather than genuine support remain prevalent.

Takeaways from the Ongoing Discussion

  • โ–ณ Many assert that declaring "I donโ€™t drink anymore" is a powerful affirmation in recovery.

  • โ–ฝ Some argue that identity shifts may misunderstand the complexity of addiction.

  • โ€ป "Thatโ€™s not who I am" serves as a helpful mantra for many.

As the conversation evolves, the community remains divided on whether identity change can effectively address various forms of addiction, paving the way for ongoing dialogue.