Why is it so hard to beat an addiction?

You've become physically depended on it as well. So not only are you fighting against the irrational part of your mind that says you need this or "just one more, and then I'll stop," but you're fighting your body too; quitting whatever takes a lot of willpower as well as putting yourself in a safe environment and surrounded by healthy people to quit; otherwise if you're quitting cold turkey while surrounded with people still doing whatever bad habit, you're going to succumb to your withdrawal symptoms and go right back on it.

Do I have any stories? Well, I wasn't addicted to hard drugs if that's what you're aiming to read about, I've seen addiction in family who were on drugs and vow to never slip down that road, but life threw me a curve ball, and I learned through experience that it's possible to be addicted to a variety of things that can be just as harmful as drugs if you've grown up around those habits. For me it's been food, OTC medicine, etc; just things to give me temporary comfort; thankfully I stopped that over 6 years ago. Sometimes food cravings come back strong during extreme stress at my current job, but it's very short lived.

Good luck.

Because you're addicted.

It's about brain chemistry, and that sweet, sweet dopamine. Go to the library, and check out some books on addiction.

Yes, for everyone it's very hard to break an addiction. That's why drugs and alcohol and cigarettes are so popular. It's also why rehab and "___ anonymous" groups exist. The best way in my opinion to beat it would be just go cold turkey, its what I did. Just stop and deny yourself whatever it is no matter what and once you're out, never look back.

Our brains work against us. We get use to a substance and then it hurts when we don't have it because our body is telling us we need it. It varies from person to person. And the chemistry is way more complicated than I can explain. It's quite fascinating.

When you get addicted to a drug, it becomes a necessity. Not having your drug feels as bad as not having food or water and your instincts drive you to seek out the drug.

Because it creates endorphins in your brain and your brain want to feel this feeling again. So it is searching for a previous experience that brought him endorphins, hence the addiction.

Depends what your addicted to. Drugs and alcohol it's more about brain chemistry and effects of tolerance and dopamine yadda yadda yadda but other addictions such as porn, food, TV are more complicated usually.

Thats why its called an addiction.
instead of a preferance.
Its something addicting.
You dont feel like you want it.
You feel like you NEED it.
whether its drink, drugs, food, sex, attention, the adrendilon from high risk acts.
Its something you really like, despite knowing the risks, damage etc.
Its hard to stop, because you enjoy it.
Ive beat a few habits.
Some I still struggle with.
Theres no easy answer that will work for everyone.

Because things youre addicted to make your braun or body feel good one way or another. And who doesnt like feeling good?

Its hard because a lot of times people are self medicating with their addiction

Whatever you are addicted to makes you feel good, at least in the short term, so why would you want to give it up. Addictive substances allow us to escape the stresses of life.

Usually because the benefits still outweight the negatives.

When the pain gets bad enough it is easy enough to overcome an addiction, but for most, that level of pain means losing everything they hold dear.

My original answer is as accurate as it can be, however if you are struggling with any kind of addiction, it is always advised to seek professional help.