Many people do not understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. It is often mistakenly assumed that drug abusers lack moral principles or willpo

Many people do not understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. It is often mistakenly assumed that drug abusers lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop using drugs simply by choosing to change their behavior. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting takes more than good intentions or a strong will. The genes that people are born with––in combination with environmental influences––account for about half of their addiction vulnerability. Additionally, gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may influence risk for drug abuse and addiction. -- drugabuse.gov Maybe you got lucky that a combination of your genes and lack of certain mental disorders helped you get out of your addiction with sheer effort. Others may not be that lucky. If you had the same predisposition to getting addicted as other people you might not have made it no matter how hard you try. So, you can't generalize your individual experience with others.