Addiction is a Disease

Addiction is a complex disease of the brain and body that involved compulsive use of one or more substances despite serious health and social consequences. Addiction disrupts regions of the brain that are responsible for reward, motivation, learning, judgment, and memory. It damages various body systems as well as families, relationships, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

Is Addiction a Disease?Addiction, clinically referred to as a substance use disorder, is a complex disease of the brain and body that involves compulsive use of one or more substances despite serious health and social consequences.

Addictionary

The words we use matter. If we want to support people in recovery, we need to learn a language that reduces stigma. Stigma increases the length of time before a person with a substance use disorder will seek treatment.