Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain, which can be long lasting. These changes in the brain can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who use drugs. Drug addiction is also a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop.
The path to drug addiction begins
with the voluntary act of taking drugs. But over time, a person's ability to
choose not to do so becomes compromised. Seeking and taking the drug becomes
compulsive. This is mostly due to the effects of long-term drug exposure on
brain function. Addiction affects parts of the brain involved in reward and
motivation, learning and memory, and control over behavior.
Can drug addiction be treated?
Yes, but it’s not simple. Because
addiction is a chronic disease, people can’t simply stop using drugs for a few
days and be cured. Most patients need long-term or repeated care to stop using
completely and recover their lives.
Addiction treatment must help the
person do the following:
- stop using drugs
- stay drug-free
- be productive in the family, at work, and in society
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