I have a severe physical reaction to a substance (alcohol). Once it enters my system, I will—compulsively, uncontrollably—keep drinking until blackout, then pass out, and only gets worse from there. Willpower or self-control can't help my addiction. Once I start drinking—one drink—I am powerless to stop it. This is just how I'm wired and I've had to accept it
But I do have control over the first drink. Avoiding that first drink is the focus of my Recovery, and I work on it every day. My life is so much better, happier and more fulfilled since I've come to terms with my reality: I can't drink.