Addict Quote by James Frey
““Addiction is a decision. An individual wants something, whatever that something is, and makes a desicion to get it. Once they have it, they make a decision to take it. If they take it too often, that process of decision making gets out of control, and if it gets far out of control, it becomes an addiction. At that point the decision is a difficult one to make, but it is still a decision. Do I or don't I. Am I going to take or am I not going to waste my life or am I going to say no and try and stay sober and be a decent person. It is a decision. Each and every time. A decision. String enough of those decisions together and you set a course and you set a standard of living. Addict or human. Genetics do not make that call. They are just an excuse. They allow people to say it wasn't my fault I am genetically predisposed. It wasn't my fault I was programmed from day one. It wasn't my fault I didn't have any say in the matter. Bullshit. Fuck that bullshit. There is always a decision. Take responsibility for it. Addict or human. It's a fucking decision. Each and every time.””
About This Quote
Addiction is framed as a series of choices rather than a deterministic condition; each act of use is a decision that can be controlled or abandoned.
In simple terms: Addiction as repeated decisions.
Key Takeaway
Choice drives addiction.
Themes
personal responsibility
addiction
free will
determinism
self‑control
Mood
defiant
urgent
motivational
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- recovering addicts reflecting on relapse
- counselors discussing agency
- people confronting cravings
- individuals evaluating lifestyle choices
Key Concepts
decision‑making
habit formation
genetic determinism
accountability
Practical Applications
- behavioral therapy focusing on decision awareness
- self‑help programs emphasizing daily choices
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing each use as a decision affect recovery motivation?
- What role do environmental cues play in shaping those decisions?
A Different Perspective
Some research shows neurobiological changes can impair decision capacity, suggesting not all choices are fully voluntary.
