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What is Drug Addiction?

Posted: Jan. 1, 2008

Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing, brain disease. It causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.

Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person’s self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs.

Similar to other chronic, relapsing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, drug addiction can be managed successfully. And, as with other chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing drugs again. Relapse, however, does not signal failure—rather, it indicates that treatment should be reinstated, adjusted, or that alternate treatment is needed to help the individual regain control and recover.

Because of the changes that occur in the brain, it is challenging for a person who is addicted to stop abusing drugs. Fortunately, there are treatments that help people to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects and regain control.

Research shows that combining addiction treatment medications, if available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to each patient’s drug abuse patterns and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without drug abuse.

Research has revealed a number of basic principles that underlie effective drug addiction treatment, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).

NIDA's Principles of Treatment

• No single treatment is appropriate for all individuals
• Treatment needs to be readily available
• Treatment must attend to multiple needs of the individual, not just drug use
• Multiple courses of treatment may be required for success
• Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness

Source: National Institute of Drug Abuse

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