If You Keep Relapsing, It Might Be an Identity Issue (Part 5 Ep. 175) In this episode, we explore how identity is at the heart of recovery. It’s not just about resisting the next drink or behavior—it’s about confronting the deep, often hidden beliefs you hold about who you are. And many of us, especially in early sobriety, don’t realize we’ve been living from a false self shaped by trauma, shame, and survival. We unpack the core idea from Gabor Maté—that our two basic human needs are authenticity and attachment, and how many of us traded our authenticity to be loved. That trade-off, often made in childhood, can leave us fractured and unaware of who we really are. Recovery is where that false identity begins to crack—and where God begins to reveal the true self He created. You’ll hear teachings and insights woven from my own personal story plus: Henri Nouwen on belovedness and the lies we believe David Benner on discovering your identity in Christ—not in what you do or how others see you Dallas Willard on spiritual formation and surrender Peter Scazzero on the “Wall” and the dark night of the soul Eugene Peterson on obedience and calling in hidden seasons All rooted in the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” This episode will help you recognize the old patterns and labels trying to keep you stuck, and invite you to begin walking in your true name, your God-given identity, and your purpose in sobriety.