What is addiction?
Let’s first answer the big question: what is addiction? Addiction, or SUD, is a complex, chronic disorder. Someone with SUD compulsively seeks drug use, even in the face of negative consequences to their health, their relationships, and their life.
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Brain Disorder
Addiction is considered a brain disorder, because it changes the brain’s circuits that control reward, stress, and self-control.
Chronic Condition
Addiction is comparable to other conditions, like heart disease. Both can:
- Have serious harmful effects
- Be preventable and treatable
- Lead to death if untreated
Reasons People Use Drugs
Someone can take drugs for many reasons, but the most common are:
- To feel good: drugs can create feelings of pleasure that can lead to other positive feelings
- To feel better if they struggle with other conditions like stress and depression
- To do better in school, at work, or in sports
- Curiosity or social pressure
Brain Disorder
Addiction is considered a brain disorder, because it changes the brain’s circuits that control reward, stress, and self-control.
Chronic Condition
Addiction is comparable to other conditions, like heart disease. Both can:
- Have serious harmful effects
- Be preventable and treatable
- Lead to death if untreated
Reasons People Use Drugs
Someone can take drugs for many reasons, but the most common are:
- To feel good: drugs can create feelings of pleasure that can lead to other positive feelings
- To feel better if they struggle with other conditions like stress and depression
- To do better in school, at work, or in sports
- Curiosity or social pressure