The problem with addiction is denial is a huge part of the disease. Once you've crossed the line into addiction it's really hard to admit that it's a problem. And with some addictions the withdrawl is so bad that you have to keep using just to feel normal and so on as you spiral downward. For me I knew I was an alcoholic long before I decided to get help. I knew it was a disease, but I just didn't care - the costs of continuing to use weren't high enough for me to give up the emotional numbness that alcohol gave me, and in the end I was so addicted physically that if I didn't drink I'd shake violently and have horrible nausea - lots of motivation to keep using. It wasn't until I lost my job and wound up in the hospital and landed in a good treatment program that helped me detox safely that I could admit to my problem really, and be willing to do something about it.

--splitimage