Why People Misunderstand Addiction

Ever heard someone say, “Why don’t they just stop?” As if it were that easy—like flipping a
switch. If quitting were that simple, a lot more people would do it. But here’s the thing: addiction isn’t just about willpower. It’s complex, personal, and often a gradual process.

A big reason why recovery rates can seem low is because the whole “just quit” approach sets people up for shame and failure. When someone relapses, they feel like they’ve messed up completely—when in reality, addiction recovery is often about progress, not perfection.

Now, don’t get me wrong—there are cases where someone really does need to quit immediately. If you’re sneaking a bottle at work or waking up wondering where last night even went, the problem is loud and clear. And sometimes, that clarity makes quitting easier because the need for change is undeniable.

But for a lot of people, addiction isn’t a dramatic rock-bottom story. It’s a tug-of-war. Some days, drinking (or using) feels under control—it’s social, it’s fun, it takes the edge off. Other times, it’s just meh, leaving you feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and kind of disconnected from the stuff that actually matter —like finally taking that long bike ride, joining that CrossFit gym, or writing that novel you keep thinking about.

Because here’s the kicker: even a couple of drinks most nights can slowly eat away at your energy, your time, and your drive. Not in a falling-apart kind of way, but in a never-quite-feeling-your-best kind of way. And honestly? That sucks. Adulting is already exhausting. Drinking just adds another layer of fog that keeps you stuck in the same routine—work, happy hour, Netflix, repeat.

People misunderstand addiction because they assume it’s all or nothing. That you have to hit rock bottom. That quitting is the only way. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to wait for a crisis to make a change. And you don’t have to do it alone. And the change doesn’t have to be just quitting. It’s really about making your life better. With the right support (yeah, that’s where therapy comes in), you can figure out what actually brings you joy—and no, it doesn’t have to take years or a dramatic wake-up call to get there.

If this resonates with you, let’s talk. There’s another way forward, and it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.