What is a substance use disorder?Many people mistakenly believe that addiction results from a lack of willpower or moral principles. In reality, addiction is a complex disease that alters the brain, making it hard to quit even for those who want to stop. However, research has uncovered effective treatments that can help people recover and lead fulfilling lives.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease where people compulsively seek and use drugs despite harmful consequences. Repeated drug use changes the brain, making it hard to resist intense cravings. These changes can persist, which is why addiction is considered a "relapsing" disease—people may return to drug use even after long periods of sobriety. Relapse is common but doesn’t mean treatment failed. Like other chronic illnesses, addiction treatment must be ongoing and adapted to fit the person’s needs. (www.samhsa.gov) |
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