By Arvind Maurya, Psychologist WDPC
“I can stop whenever I want.”
This is one of the most common statements heard from people struggling with addiction. Whether it is alcohol, tobacco, sleeping pills, cannabis, or another substance, many people believe that they can quit whenever they decide to. Sometimes they even stop for a few days or weeks and feel that the problem is under control. But later, they find themselves returning to the same pattern.
Why does this happen?
One important reason is that addiction does not remain only a habit. With repeated use, the brain and body begin to adapt to the substance. The person may gradually start depending on it to feel relaxed, energetic, confident, or even “normal.” Because the person remembers the times when they successfully stopped for a short period, they may believe that quitting permanently should also be easy.
For example, imagine a person who drinks alcohol every evening after work. He may tell his family, “I don’t drink because I need it. I can leave it anytime.” One day, he decides not to drink. He manages for two or three days and feels proud of himself. This strengthens his belief that he is completely in control. After a stressful day, however, he drinks again. Slowly, the old pattern returns.
Another reason is the desire to maintain a positive image of oneself. Accepting “I have an addiction” can feel uncomfortable. A person may think, “I am educated, responsible, and successful. How can I be addicted?” Saying “I can quit whenever I want” can protect the person from facing this uncomfortable reality.
Denial can also play a role. The person may focus on what has not happened rather than what is already happening. For instance, someone may say, “I have never lost my job because of alcohol, so I don’t have a problem.” But the family may already notice frequent arguments, poor sleep, financial difficulties, or changes in behaviour.
There is also a difference between wanting to stop and being able to stop. A person may genuinely want to quit but still struggle with cravings, withdrawal symptoms, emotional triggers, and situations associated with substance use. For example, someone who uses sleeping pills every night may sincerely decide to stop but become anxious or unable to sleep when they try. This difficulty may lead them back to the substance.
This does not mean that a person has no control over their behaviour. Rather, addiction can make self-control more difficult than the person expects. Professional support can help the individual understand triggers, manage cravings, develop healthier coping strategies, and deal safely with withdrawal when necessary.
The first step is often not simply saying, “I can quit anytime.” It is asking a more honest question: “What happens when I actually try to stop?”
Recognising the difficulty is not weakness. It can be the beginning of recovery.
