Do you believe alcoholism is something that can be stopped with willpower?

Question

OneViewpoint · Accepted Answer

Yes. Alcoholics anonymous has proven that. Your willpower may need support constantly but willpower has been the only solution forever up to this point. Until medical science develops a drug for it, willpower is the only way.

WindAtMyBack · Accepted Answer

Will power is pretty much the ONLY way to stop it unless someone else forces it on you. Same with every other addiction. There are lots of tools and tricks to make it a little easier, but it still boils down to willpower.

Massageman · Answer

There IS genetic predisposition for many, so getting free of it can be more than just willing it to be so. That said, wanting TO change is the first step in MAKING change.

DeeDeeDeVour · Answer

One of our friends is a "binge drinker" which means he drinks an awful lot of booze whenever he drinks.

On a Friday night, he can finish 7-10 cans of beer or have 7-10 cocktails or shots of whatever and repeat the same on Saturday.

From our observations and what his family tells us, he doesn't drink from Sunday night until the next weekend and doesn't even crave for it when there's no booze around.

When he trains for a sporting event, he has skipped weekend-after-weekend of chances to drink just to condition himself for the event (which has won several times).

None of us (friends & family of his) think he's alcoholic but simply capitalizes on his high tolerance for booze whenever he wants to celebrate and/or have a good time.

And, he's absolutely good company when we're drinking together since he doesn't get drunk or rowdy when he gets drunk.

I believe that's willpower on his part but it seems so easy for him.

Bricealan · Answer

(tongue in cheek answer 😁) No. Of course not. Don't you know that the AMA has declared Alcoholism as a "disease" and of course cannot be treated in any other way. That way it qualifies for 'treatment in a 'rehabilitation" facility paid for by some insurance company. But wait! We have all heard this.

"Hello, my name is Bruce/Brice, and I'm an alcoholic. I have been sober for 2 hours"

I'm surprised that smoking cigarettes and Nicotine addiction, has not been declared a 'disease' only treatable by a Haitian witch doctor, payable by your insurance company. The only disease associated with Cigarettes is Lung cancer, Emphysema, and a multitude of COPD problems.

A prior woman friend whom I had to cut adrift due to her alcoholism, called me 4 years later in the middle of the night, telling me that she had a car accident, while driving DUI, almost killing her 12-year-old daughter. NOW she is/was in an AA class. "Hello, my name is 'Carol' and I am an alcoholic, and I almost killed my 12-year-old daughter, driving while drunk"

I write this long, drawn out tirade, because I like most/many and probably you, know many persons with the same addiction, and chose to declare the problem as a 'disease" insisting that they have no control over it until they kill, or almost kill someone they love, or get arrested while DUI, OR kill themselves and others driving drunk.

My SHORT answer to your question, is that chemical addictions or whatever we chose to call them, can be controlled or stopped by simply refusing to indulge in that behavior. We/I chose to call that willpower.

LiamS95 · Answer

From what I learned from experience with a family member that became an alcoholic is it's far more involved then just using willpower it is an actual disease. Most alcoholics never intended to become one. It can start by just enjoying a glass of wine, bottle of beer every evening or a cocktail. Everyone has a different tolerance level to alcohol. The more you drink the more you need to have to get that buzz of relaxation. Then what happens is the chemistry changes and you cross an invisible line where the brain chemistry is permanently altered and you lose the control to stop at one, two or three drinks or glasses of wine. That's when all consumption of alcohol must stop. Which is extremely dangerous and even life threatening to do as the alcohol withdrawal can kill you. It must be done under medical supervision before the seizures and other life-threatening challenges occur. Then the alcoholic needs a support system and faith in a greater power to stop the drinking process. That's where support groups like AA come in and the support to do the twelve steps that have been proven to work. Only another alcoholic can actually understand what that person is going through. That's why AA has sponsors that are alcoholics that have been sober for as many as 30 years, and they help support and keep another alcoholic from having another drink. Will power alone is what AA calls white knuckling it and has been proven to fail in a very high percentage of preventing an alcoholic from having a drink which leads to a second, third, forth, fifth and so on drink! In 99.9% of all cases an alcoholic can never have another drink for the rest of their lives, or it will follow the same old pattern that they cannot control.

Hoolapu · Answer

Yes, but you have to be careful because it’s a neurotoxin that chemically breaks down important substances. It’s not so simple with sugar either.

Even if someone suddenly stops drinking alcohol or stops eating sugar but was a heavy drinker/heavy into sweets, they can suffer brain and liver damage. So, it depends on how deeply someone is addicted, – the harder the withdrawal symptoms. It’s the same with other drugs and psychiatric medications.

If you take them for years, they damage the organs. Once you stop taking the toxin, the body has to readjust, and unfortunately, this process can also cause harm and organ damage.

bobalife · Answer

It’s more important to be educated, consult with professionals, and do some research on this than just the internet opinions lol. From my educational knowledge, it is a disease. People don’t realize that part about alcoholism. It takes a combination of an individual’s readiness with the realization it is no longer benefiting them, desire to stop, time and routine, and support from both professional and their loved ones to reach sobriety. People I know who has become sober will continue to maintain sobriety by avoiding alcohol consumption, particularly settings with alcohol for cravings, and new habits. It will be an ongoing journey for prevention and building positive outlook for their lifestyles/coping mechanism.

drummerdude25 · Answer

I have never found it addicting at all… I used to go out maybe once or twice, every month or two with some buddies, on the town, and bar hop… It was a good time, and we’d get pretty sloshed sometimes, but did I ever feel like I needed to go continually buy alcohol? No.

And still, I’d sometimes get a beer or two out to dinner on a given night, or have a drink… but purely my choice, never out of any sort of “necessity” or addictive impulse. I barely even drink tbh… just on vacations or odd occasions.

If I had to guess, it’s something deeper within themselves, if a person is resorting to substance abuse. They’re using them to cope with something that perpetually torments them, or something along those lines, because I have just never felt any of the so-called “addictive qualities” of alcohol… In my view, it can just give you a fun feeling in the right environments.

RavVid · Answer

Know a little on this. In the first place it is self medication and there is often some trauma behind it or it has been to be a personna that might not be that natural. Like being a party girl when she is reserved and she has used alcohol to be more outgoing.

It is certainly addictive and withdrawal without appropriate medication can cause death. If a person consumes 2 or 3 bottles of wine day they are in the arena of needing a supervised medical detox. The safe withdrawal period is about 3 days and physical addiction is over at that point..

The willpower part is after that detox period. Our brain is programmable. Driving a car is unnatural at first but it becomes natural. Getting drunk becomes a habit as well as an addiction. Various events will trigger the habit and that is where willpower comes into play and various techniques. It requires disruptors to break long established habits.

RandomGirl42 · Answer

I used to until I talked with a recovering alcoholic. They explained how people think they're weak because they can't quit on their own "willpower" and that is a myth that keeps many alcoholics drinking right into their grave as they attempt to control their drinking with willpower.

It is also a spiritual malady which is widely overlooked and it was also explained to me that trying to use willpower to control alcoholism is like trying to use willpower to control diarrhea.

Renuivf · Answer

In my opinion, alcoholism is not something that can usually be stopped by willpower alone. While personal determination plays an important role, alcohol dependence often involves physical and psychological addiction. Over time, it affects brain chemistry and self-control, making it much harder for someone to quit simply by “deciding” to stop.

I believe recovery is possible, but it often requires proper support — such as medical guidance, counseling, family encouragement, and structured rehabilitation programs. Just like other health conditions, addiction should be treated with understanding and professional help rather than judgment.

Strong willpower helps, but support and treatment make long-term recovery much more realistic and sustainable.

Telekinetic-Potato · Answer

From what I've seen, it's largely willpower but all the willpower in the world probably won't help if you don't have a plan.

You probably become an alcoholic gradually. At least that's what I'm watching some people go through so it becomes hard to moderate yourself because drinking becomes a habit of life.

Anonymous · Answer

It's an addiction. Younger me would have said, "yes". But now having lived as long as I have and having g seen addiction with people I know as well as having a form of addiction myself I say no. I've seen many people I co sidereal to be quite strong unable to break this cycle. Likewise I've seen people I've consider to be relatively weak quit and state free from it.

Good intentions aren't enough. Now I'm not saying if you're mired in addiction to just give up. Far from it! I'm simply saying that understand this could likely be a lifetime battle for you. And if you relapse it doesn't make you weak. But it's not your excuse to quit either. Just get up, dust yourself and get back on the wagon. The fight, the struggle to stay sober. That's where the victory lies. The hope you give others mired in addiction by how you live each day. They help you, you help them.

MontBlanc · Answer

I think willpower plays a role, but I don’t believe it’s that simple.

Alcoholism isn’t just about discipline, it often involves emotional patterns, coping mechanisms, and sometimes even biology.

Telling someone to “just stop” overlooks the complexity of what they might be dealing with.

Real change usually takes self awareness, support, and a willingness to confront deeper issues not just strength in the moment.

So yes, will matters but understanding matters more.

slatyb · Answer

Perhaps, but it's difficult to escape drug addictions, whether alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, or tranquilizers. I count myself lucky that I was never drawn to self-medication of depression, because I would probably not have made it out of my teens with mind and body intact.

Adam_INTJ · Answer

Yes and no.

Some have done it I'm sure, but it's dangerous if you have dependency. It would be like trying g to swear off food.

The way that addiction hijacks your will itself provides reason to say no.

In another sense, yes. You need an act of the will to cure alcoholism. People aren't dragged to rehab against their will.

You likely won't cure alcoholism by pure resolve, but you can't cure it without the will to do so.

Levin · Answer

If not by willpower, then by what other mechanism?

There has to be a will to stop.

Responsibility is the key component.

We can all make excuses about why we should default back to previous behaviour.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't drink.

Others can't even not drink. Lol.

Clearly I must be superior to the many 👍😅 who'd have thought. 🧠 To all who wrongly assume weak, hell, I must run rings around others who can't not stop from downing the stuff - blah 🤢

Darkest-Knight · Answer

I stopped drinking with will power. Before I stopped I was drinking 2 - 3 (40 oz) bottles of Jack Daniels a day. I was out of control. Then I got arrested for Impaired Operation and over 80 mgs. I stopped immediately with will power. I've never had a drink again. That was over 25 years ago.

FreyaRed · Answer

Yes. Of course there is a risk of delirium tremens that can be lethal. However with medication to prevent shutdown of nerve system it's always a question of will power to fight successful an addiction.

qwerty2469 · Answer

Willpower is the only thing that can stop it. I just quit a month ago. You can't pussy foot you just have to fucking quit cold turkey... But it almost killed me. Even if you aren't a knock down drunk if you have high blood pressure stopping can kill you. Go to an urgent care, tell them you are an alcoholic and you are quiting cold turkey. They will give you a medication to help with the withdrawal. You'll pretty much sleep most of 2 or 3 days and then you will be free.

MissPiggy2025 · Answer

Im 5 months pregnant and I haven't had a drink since I found out at 7 weeks. I thought it would be easy to forget alcohol but sometimes especially at parties and celebration i feel as if im missing out and when im having a bad day at work im thinking to myself "god i wish I could have a glass of wine to relax when I get home" I think i just try to find alternatives like having a sweet treat like a nice hot chocolate or something instead

madhatters4 · Answer

yes. in fact will power is the primary way. now i consider will power to also include not just a person's singular will to stop drinking but also say therapy or going to meetings as well

Nikki1989 · Answer

You can stop anything if you really want to make it happen.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

I don't see why not. I know of others that have stopped smoking or other bad vices cold turkey just because they wanted to! Why should booze be any different?

MrChinaski · Answer

Yes. Alcoholics drink because they want to. Support services can provide some scaffolding, but at the end of the day you have to want something different. I did.

jazzy34 · Answer

…….. Yeah sure. Just tell someone who’s ill to get over it by willpower. What an ignorant question. 🙄

Hispanic-Cool-Guy · Answer

Yes. Its very painful and difficult at first but once you endure the early stages of denial of urges the mind builds a strong resistance, confidence is won and you can defeat alcoholism through will-power.

Alex-Snow · Answer

Perhaps some might be able to but I think for most it is a team effort involving family, friends and professional guidance.

ohsheeT · Answer

Well, you either make a choice to stop or you die, it's just a matter of time. You'll do one of them

BCRanger10 · Answer

That is part of it, and a necessary one at that. But they must also act on the will.

permanentem · Answer

All addiction can be controlled with will power.

jshm2 · Answer

No. It's the only disease sold in bottles, though...

douride2 · Answer

A friend of mine quit both smoking & alcohol all on his own. Quit cold turky. The doctor told him either quit or your dead. He wanted to live.

Rangers · Answer

Alcoholism is like any addiction, and can be overcome but only after hitting rock bottom and recognizing that they're there

Jersey2 · Answer

Yes. Many have done it. Some can’t though. But if it doesn’t go into your mouth, you will be sober. Seek professional help.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

I don't think so, but my late Uncle Ronald and buddy Jamie Logsdon are (were, in Uncle Ronald's case) dry drunks, going a generation without booze though not undergoing a 12-step AA program.

Staximus · Answer

Yeah, I know plenty of terrible drunkards that stopped drinking for good or stopped drinking all the time.

ABitShattered · Answer

Sure. But by my understanding of true alcoholism it depends on how much you drink normally to just function. You may need medical assistance.

Caughtulookin · Answer

Yes but it takes a low to alter the course. This could mean jailtime or loss of freinds. Loss of a job could occur.

AngryCarl3 · Answer

Well I'm not an alcoholic. so I don't really know. People have quit though.

dudeinohio · Answer

No. It requires much more. It requires a whole life change.

Pohjolan · Answer

Kind off but why would a person with such discipline become a alcoholic in the first place?

blackeagle007 · Answer

Good question. I’ve struggle with it for years

Jeff51 · Answer

Person must want to stop it. Will power must be high for the person to stop it

Anastasa00_ · Answer

No you need help and good environment. Good friends who’ll help you.

Anonymous · Answer

Depends on the individual for me it was for others not so much

Agape93 · Answer

Yeap, and I say that as an alcoholic

CherryLove007 · Answer

If their WHY is strong enough than yes.

ElenaSeluna · Answer

Some people need more than willpower

lightbulb27 · Answer

umm... might take support.

exitseven · Answer

yes, they are called white knuckle drunks.

Iron_Man · Answer

Yes strong , willpower.

TonyMetal___86 · Answer

Yes, if you have the will, nothing is impossible!

In_Trance · Answer

No it's going to take more than that

najekim · Answer

Yup. Been there, done that.

dragoblack · Answer

Yes, but it requires wanting to stop

Bbroabc123 · Answer

Yes it's a choice and mindset to quit.

Zionne · Answer

yes it's true

Snowman84 · Answer

Not willpower alone.

Anonymous · Answer

No..

Do you believe alcoholism is something that can be stopped with willpower?

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