2b. What Addiction Is
Addiction is a complex, but treatable disease that affects brain function. There isn’t one treatment for everyone.
Many people try substances for the first time out of curiosity, to feel good or better. Sometimes they use substances to enhance performance at school or work or for sports.
Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual's life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.