This study explores the narratives of individuals who have overcome an addiction without formal treatment through a process of self-managed change. The research was conducted from a qualitative perspective that was grounded in social constructionist methodology. Six individuals were interviewed and the transcripts formed the texts for analysis. The analysis is divided into two sections. The first section looks at narrative as genre and content. It explores the type of narrative genres utilized by participants and looks at the spheres of meaning within the content of their narratives. The second section of the analysis looks at narrative as social construction and action. It explores participants’ constructions of addiction, formal treatment and recovery and it examines the way language is used to distance construction of self in the past from constructions of self in the present. Furthermore, the analysis observes the narratives as social actions embedded in social worlds, raising awareness of the stream of power that flows within the storytelling. The narratives collected in this study illustrate that overcoming addiction without formal treatment through a process of self-managed change is possible. They demonstrate the power that individuals can have over the substances to which they become addicted. They challenge the presuppositions that formal treatment is necessary. This study thus seeks to mobilize resistance against the dominant narratives of addiction in society. By contesting these narratives within the social world, this research aims to open up a space for previously marginalized voices to be heard. Investigation indicates that this is most likely the first study on overcoming addiction without formal treatment conducted in South Africa. It is significant therefore in that it serves to break a silence.