Sober Sis Blog

Written By Jenn Kautsch

20 Bible Verses for When You're Stuck in the Detox to Retox Loop

Truth for when you’re trying to quit, but keep slipping back into old habits

Sis, if you’ve ever said “never again” in the morning and poured the glass again that same night, this one’s for you.

The detox to retox loop is more than just a habit. It’s an emotional tug-of-war. One part of you is craving change. The other part is clinging to what feels comfortable even if it’s not working anymore.

If you’ve felt discouraged, defeated, or confused about why you can’t seem to break the cycle, let me offer you this: truth and grace.

You’re not weak. You’re not broken. And you’re not alone.

These 20 Bible verses are handpicked to meet you where you are: in the struggle, in the back-and-forth, in the "I’ll start tomorrow" moments. Let them speak life over your journey and remind you of the power and presence of God in your healing.

20 Bible Verses for When You're Stuck in the Detox to Retox Loop

1. Isaiah 30:15 (NIV) "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it."

We often run to everything but rest. But God gently reminds us that salvation isn’t in striving, it’s in returning.

2. Galatians 6:9 (NIV) "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Even if you’re not seeing results yet, keep going. There’s fruit on the other side of your faithfulness.

3. Psalm 73:26 (NIV) "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

You may feel like you're failing, but God isn’t asking for perfection. He’s offering His strength.

4. Micah 7:8 (NIV) "Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light."

Falling is not the end. His light still finds you in the dark.

5. Proverbs 24:16 (NIV) "For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes."

Falling doesn’t disqualify you. Getting back up is what faith looks like.

6. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

The cycle may be familiar, but it doesn’t have to be your future. Throw it off and keep moving.

7. Joel 2:25 (NIV) "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten."

Nothing is wasted. Even in your detours, God is redeeming what’s been lost.

8. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

The work isn’t finished, but He’s not quitting on you. Don’t quit on yourself.

9. Romans 8:1 (NIV) "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

The enemy wants to trap you in shame. God invites you into freedom.

10. Psalm 51:10 (NIV) "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

You don’t need to muscle your way through. Ask God to renew what feels worn out.

11. John 8:36 (NIV) "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

True freedom isn’t in willpower. It’s in the One who already broke the chains.

12. James 1:5 (NIV) "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault."

Don’t know what to do next? Ask. He will show you.

13. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

What you’re walking through is shaping something deeper in you. Don’t despise the process.

14. Colossians 1:11 (NIV) "Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience."

When you feel stuck, remember that endurance is a spiritual gift, not just a personality trait.

15. Psalm 19:14 (NIV) "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord."

What we meditate on matters. Start with truth. Let it renew your mind.

16. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

You don’t have to hide. He’s already made a way back to grace.

17. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles."

When you feel worn out from the back-and-forth, come back to the Source. He renews strength.

18. Titus 2:11-12 (NIV) "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions."

Grace doesn’t just forgive. It empowers you to live differently.