Why can an alcoholic or drug addict just quit on his own?
Almost everyone who has suffered from drug addiction or alcoholism was under the belief that they would be able to either control or stop using drugs and alcohol on their own. They truly embraced the belief that things would never get out of control. Most attempts to stop or slow down result in a return to their drug of choice. Professionals associated with addiction medicine acknowledge that long term drug and alcohol use result in significant changes in brain chemistry. These changes may persist long after drug or alcohol use is discontinued. These changes in brain function may have behavioral consequences, including the compulsion to use drugs or alcohol despite adverse consequences. This is the defining characteristic of addiction. When you couple the aspect of craving and withdrawal symptoms with this concept, it is easy to understand why so many people find it difficult to recover without treatment. Addiction and alcoholism are viewed as a disease and are progressive and chronic.
