Came across a segment from the movie "I Am Bill W" which explains why alcoholics continue drinking even when they want to stop. As a recovering alcoholic I understand what he's saying, it illustrates the very distorted thinking of an active drunk. Bill Wilson's wife, Lois, started Alanon. Wilson says in the Big Book it's the disease of insanity. He doesn't mean the crazy things drunks do, it's the act of constantly picking up a substance that causes pain to himself and others.
Why People Have a Hard Time Changing - YouTube