Freedom of choice is one of the most defining aspects of human existence. It empowers us to shape our lives, pursue our desires, and navigate the complexities of the world. However, the path to true freedom isn’t always clear-cut. Consider challenges like being caught in a job we loathe; or a toxic relationship we cannot extricate ourselves from.

It seems that people often make choices that don’t appear to reflect their preferences. Otherwise intelligent people sometimes do things that so clearly are going against their own interests. Consider the case of politicians with inside knowledge putting down bets on the date of the General Election. Or watching porn in the houses of parliament while waiting to vote. It’s hard to explain such behaviour as anything other than ‘madness’ or ‘tak[ing] complete leave of [one’s] senses’.

We cannot know what led to bad choices in these specific instances. But we do know that one area where people’s freedom of choice at least appears compromised is addiction. In the context of addiction, freedom often seems to slip away; leaving a person trapped in a self-destructive cycle that feels impossible to break. Not surprisingly then, approaches to addiction recovery aim to restore freedom of choice; to enable the individual to make better, healthier choices.

In this post, we’ll explore the concept of freedom of choice in decision-making and how it intersects with addiction recovery. And we will look at two very different approaches to how one night help people to reclaim their freedom.

Freedom of Choice in Decision-Making

At the heart of every decision we make lies the freedom of choice. Individuals have the autonomy to make their own choices, regardless of external influences or internal pressures. Our ability to choose shapes the direction of our lives—be it in small, everyday decisions or in life-altering ones.

However, freedom of choice does not exist in isolation. Our perceptions, beliefs, experiences and social conditioning all impact our freedom of choice. For individuals dealing with addiction, this sense of autonomy can feel diminished or even lost. Addiction can distort a person’s sense of agency; leaving them feeling like they are at the mercy of their cravings, triggers and habits.

Addiction recovery offers various approaches to restoring an individual’s sense of control and freedom. The Freedom Model and the 12 Step Model offer two very different perspectives on how to navigate this journey.

The 12 Step Model: A Surrender of Control for a Higher Power

The 12 Step model was originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the 1930s. 12 Steps has become the foundation for many addiction recovery programs throughout the world. It emphasizes the idea that individuals struggling with addiction must admit their powerlessness over the behaviour over which they have lost control; be it substance use, gambling, over-eating, over-working or compulsive sexual behaviour. But it is important to understand that powerlessness does not mean helplessness.

At its core, the 12 Step model focuses on surrender and spiritual growth as essential components of recovery. It encourages participants to stop trying to control their problematic behaviour in ways that have not worked in the past and instead asks them to develop trust in the guidance of a higher power.

Importantly, higher power is not rigidly defined as a God associated with any of the major world religions. Each person working the 12 Steps has to come to their understanding of what higher power means for them. Crucial, however, is that the higher power needs to be outside of themselves. In essence, the 12 Step approach requires a degree of humility. A willingness to admit that one may not have all the answers. That it might be helpful to tap into the wisdom of others; others who have treaded the path of recovery and have gone on to lead happy and productive lives.

At the heart of The 12 Step model therefore is a fascinating paradox. It posits that individuals must relinquish some degree of control in order to regain it. True freedom can only be achieved through spiritual surrender and acceptance.

The Role of Choice in the 12 Steps Model

The 12 Step model frames the notion of choice around the decision to enter the program and engage in its process. Choosing to follow the steps is a choice in itself—a decision to rely on the program’s teachings and the guidance of a higher power to navigate recovery. However, once this decision is made, personal control is often de-emphasized in favour of surrender. Remember: A willingness to admit that one may not have all the answers.

The 12 Step Model has helped millions of people around the world to recover from all sorts of addiction. However, it is understandable that admitting powerlessness over certain behaviours could be perceived as giving up on oneself, as devaluing individual will-power and freedom of choice.

The Freedom Model: Reclaiming Autonomy in Recovery

The Freedom Model for Addiction Recovery, developed by Mark Scheeren, Steven Slate, and Michelle Dunbar, challenges the core tenets of the 12 Step approach. At the heart of the Freedom Model is the belief that addiction is not a disease and that individuals are never truly powerless over their behaviours. Instead, it asserts that addiction is a learned behaviour based on individual choices. Therefore, recovery can be achieved by reclaiming one’s autonomy.

The Freedom Model rejects the idea that individuals must surrender to a higher power or declare themselves as powerless. Instead, it encourages individuals to embrace the concept that they are fully capable of changing their behaviours through conscious choice and self-determination.

Freedom of Choice in the Freedom Model

In the Freedom Model, choice is the central focus. The model teaches that individuals are in complete control of their actions and that their addiction is the result of a series of choices, even if these choices have become habitual over time. By recognizing this, individuals can start to challenge their belief systems around substance use or problematic behaviour and begin to make new, healthier choices.

The Freedom Model does not require individuals to follow a specific set of steps or adhere to a spiritual doctrine. Instead, it promotes the idea that recovery is about understanding and changing one’s relationship with substances or problematic behaviours through a process of self-reflection and personal growth. This model encourages individuals to see that they have the power to reshape their lives without the need for surrender, labels, or lifelong commitments to recovery programs.

Comparing the Two Models: Control vs. Surrender

When comparing the 12 Step model to the Freedom Model, it becomes clear that the main point of divergence is the role of personal control and autonomy.

The 12 Step Model emphasizes surrender, spiritual guidance, and acceptance of powerlessness as essential for recovery. It views addiction as a disease that requires ongoing management, often through lifelong commitment to the program and its principles. According to the 12 Step Model the disease is a vain attempt to fill a spiritual void. The 12 Step programme offers an alternative, more productive, way to fill that void. It does so via its focus on interpersonal connection and fellowship.

The Freedom Model emphasizes personal choice, self-determination, and the rejection of the disease model of addiction. It views addiction as a learned behavior that can be unlearned through conscious decision-making and a shift in beliefs about substance use.

Both models acknowledge the importance of making decisions and exercising choice. However, the 12 Steps model places a significant emphasis on choosing to surrender control to something greater than oneself, while the Freedom Model encourages individuals to reclaim full control over one’s life and choices. And both models require participants to take guidance from others, whether they are coaches, mentors, or sponsors.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Freedom of Choice in Recovery

The road to recovery is deeply personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. For some, the spiritual and structured nature of the 12 Step model provides the community and accountability they need to recover. They find their true inner strength not by clamouring for control, but through quiet humility and surrendering to a higher power. For others, the Freedom Model’s emphasis on personal autonomy and self-directed change resonates more strongly with their desire to regain control over their lives.

What unites both programmes — despite their diametrically opposite approaches — is the recognition that the power to change lies within the individual. Whether that power is accessed through surrender or personal empowerment, recovery begins when a person makes the conscious decision to pursue freedom.

In the end, freedom of choice and decision-making remain integral to the process of overcoming addiction. The key is to find the path that aligns with one’s beliefs, values, and sense of self, allowing for the reclamation of true freedom in life.