Agency Lost
Our brains are gifted for learning, morally neutral learners, and simple servants to our agency. Any repeated behavior is subjected to learning processes which significantly strengthen the behavior. The end result of learning is habituation. Addictive learning makes a significant contribution to powerlessness.
In time, all things associated with addiction become powerful cues for addiction—even as simple a thing as a computer keyboard.
Next, consider as well how a repeated route to work is memorized by the brain until it occurs without effort, even unconsciously. Addictive patterns are similarly over-learned and memorized. When relapse process becomes unconscious or operates on autopilot, pause-and-ponder choice points are lost. Conscience is effectively neutralized
Finally, understand that without help, the learning brain mostly memorizes immediate experience—physical, bodily consequences that occur immediately. Addiction exploits simple learning processes and thereby preys upon the learning brain.