Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a primary and chronic disease of the brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. This is characterized by compulsive drug craving, seeking and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. These substance use disorders can cause permanent changes in brain structure and chemistry. Substance use disorders are characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one's behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response.
Substance use disorders is like other chronic diseases in that cycles of relapse and remission occur often.
This brain disorder with the requisite characteristics of a medical illness. There are effective medical and public health approaches to the problem of substance use disorders. Just as with diabetes, hypertension or asthma, , ongoing disease management is essential for a person suffering with substance use disorders. As in other chronic illnesses, Individuals with substance use disorder often require multiple courses of treatment to stabilize their condition. Additionally, a continuum of care for effective prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery support is necessary.
Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, substance use disorders are progressive and can result in disability or premature death. When treated as a chronic illness, the compliance and relapse rates of substance dependence are as good or better than for other chronic illnesses. Sustained recovery relies on an ongoing system of recovery supports, including housing, job training and mentoring. Click here to go to the National Institute of Health's (NIH) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) website for more information.
