Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a complex chronic disease, affecting both the brain and body. The disease of addiction disturbs the brain's healthy reward circuitry, leading to the unhealthy pursuit of substances or behaviors that trigger those reward circuits.

Addiction is characterized by:

• the inability to consistently abstain from pursuing substances or behaviors that trigger the brain's reward circuits
• impaired behavioral control
• craving
• diminished recognition of significant problems with one's behaviors and interpersonal relationships
• dysfunctional emotional response

Substance use often coincides with other health issues such as mental illness. When multiple illnesses are present, their effects can be amplified by substance use. All illnesses should be taken into account when diagnosing and treating SUDs.

Genetics, brain development, and numerous other factors contribute to the development of addiction and substance use disorders. 

For instance, an individual with certain biological or genetic tendencies may be more likely to engage in substance misuse if they are isolated from supportive family and social networks. An individual who suffers from addiction in a community where addiction is stigmatized is less likely to seek treatment or stay in recovery than someone whose community supports their efforts to manage their disease through treatment and long-term recovery.

To fully understand addiction, it is important to recognize the potential of all these factors to contribute to, or guard against, the development of addiction and substance use disorders. Efforts to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery need to take all these levels into consideration.