What is Addiction?
Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use, despite harmful consequences. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using certain substance(s) such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. They keep using drug or alcohol even when they know that it will cause problems. These substances produce such an intense activation of the reward system (surge of chemical messenger dopamine) producing feelings of immense pleasure, often referred to as a ”high.” Continued use of drugs or alcohol changes the brain’s wiring and causes addicts to have intense cravings for the substance. Over time, people with addiction build a tolerance- meaning they need larger amounts of drugs or alcohol to feel the effect. This increasing use of these substances causes harmful changes in how the brain functions. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain related to judgment, decisio