Addiction is not about willpower; It's about support

We’ve heard this statement a thousand times and probably have told it as well. But it’s not that simple. Addiction is a serious mental health issue, which affects the brain, body and emotions. People who are suffering feel stuck and ashamed. They’re not weak - they’re just unwell and need support, not JUDGEMENT.

So, what is addiction? And why is willpower not enough?

Addiction is when somebody cannot stop using substances (alcohol, drugs) or engaging in behaviors like gambling or as simple as watching reels or playing games even if it's hurting them and people around them. It starts with curiosity but over time changes how the brain works.

The brain starts wanting the substance or behavior to feel good or even normal. And when they try to stop, they feel sick, anxious, or very low. This actually makes quitting hard even if they want or try to.

“Addiction is not about lacking morals. It’s about pain and how people cope with it,” says Dr. Gabor Maté, a well-known addiction expert.

In Nepal, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported over 130,000 drug users in 2020 and the number is continually rising, and we don’t even know the numbers regarding behavioral addiction. This clearly shows that addiction is a public issue that needs to be addressed, needs care, awareness and solutions.

We often believe that if they “Actually tried” they could stop. But addiction hijacks the part of the brain that controls decision-making and self-control. That is one of the reasons even if a person wants to quit their brain will still push them to use it again and again.

Imagine telling a person with a broken leg to “JUST WALK”- They can’t, it’s not because they don't want to but they’re not capable of. It’s similar in the case of addiction. The brain is not working the way it should. That's exactly why they need support, not just motivation.

Is recovery possible?

Of course it is, but it takes a lot more than just having a strong will. It takes time, support and correct tools and strategy. Some things that can help people to recover include talking to counselors, therapists or just being around the people who actually support them.

Alternatively, they can join support groups like NA or AA, learning a better way to deal with life stressors and especially finding a purpose in life again.

“Recovery is not about being strong, it’s about being supported,” says a former addict who is working as a peer counselor in one of the rehabilitation centers in Kathmandu.

Relapse (Going back to old ways) is very common in recovery. It does not mean failure but this says that the person is still learning. What matters the most is staying on the correct path (path of recovery).

Let’s talk with kindness

Addiction is full of silence, guilt, and shame. Many people fail to open up and hide their struggles often fearing judgement. This makes it harder for them, for their recovery. As a society we can help by changing how we talk about addiction. Instead of blaming we can ask “What happened? And how can I support you? “Let’s focus on replacing judgement with understanding and be a reason someone chooses recovery- not the reason they hide their pain and struggle.