A common thing many people battling substance addiction and even those close to them think is that if you want to get and stay sober, you can. 
This belief often does more harm than good. Research has shown that addiction is a complicated disease that cannot be magically cured by willpower alone. 
Here are 5 reasons why you cannot win against addiction through sheer willpower:
A Firm Decision Is Not the Same as the Follow-Through
People struggling with an addiction might actually want to get better, and even showcase amazing willpower to do so. Howеver, wanting and firmly deciding to do it does not automatically mеan they will be able to keep away from their substance of choice, especially if they do not follow a comprehensive treatment plan.


Addiction Is Not a Choice
People might choose to try a certain substance at some point, but they do not choose to become addicted and continuously depend on said substance. Addiction cannot be controlled by simply deciding not to take part in these destructive behaviors. It’s something that’s outside a person’s control, therefore willpower cannot help them overcome it.
 
Willpower Does Not Address the Cause
People often become addicted to a substance because they are trying to self-medicate and push something away, such as pain or trauma. Deciding to get better does not address the root cause of why this behavior began in the first place, which increases the risks of relapse tremendously.
 
Human Nature Is Not Fixed
Even if a person decides to get sober now, and believes in this decision with every fiber of their being, it doesn’t mean they will feel the same later on. Giving up a drug or alcohol can bring back many of the pain they were trying to avoid in the first place, which can make them think differently about their addiction and turn back to their substance of choice.
 
Willpower Can Be Alienating
The success rate of addiction therapies is often dependent on a person’s system of support. If they believe sobriety is determined by willpower, they are less likely to ask for help because for them, they are the only ones who can truly help themselves. This process can be extremely alienating, even causing a person battling substance addiction to distance themselves from other people.
 
Willpower Is Not Always Bad
Having the willpower and determination to stay sober and get better can certainly help the outcomes of addiction treatment. It can help them stay motivated even during the most difficult times of their treatment and overcome its challenges.
However, to say that sobriety is just determined by willpower is a recipe for disaster, and can end up creating further problems for the person battling addiction. Addiction is a complex disease that cannot be traced down to a simple cause, and neither does sobriety. Call Rehab South Africa today for more info on our inpatient treatment services at our rehab cape town. Visit our website to book a free assessment.