Often, people who are not alcoholic do not fully understand why an alcoholic can't simply use willpower or self-control to stay away from drinking. In the vast majority of situations, however, alcoholism has little to do with being strong, fighting the temptation to drink, or with willpower.


Indeed, alcoholics are caught in the compelling grip of an uncontrollable need for alcohol that takes priority over their ability to refrain from drinking. In fact, the need to drink for the alcoholic can be as strong as his or her need for food, shelter, water, or interpersonal relationships.