Scientific research findings have changed the way we understand and treat addictive disease. Learn more about the science of treatment by exploring the links to the left.
From the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
What is addiction?Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain - they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting, and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs. Addiction is similar to other diseases, such as heart disease. Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of the underlying organ, have serious harmful consequences, are preventable, treatable, and if left untreated, can last a lifetime.
Image Source: From the laboratories of Drs. N. Volkow and H Schelbert, NIDA Web site
Yes. Addiction is a treatable disease. Discoveries in the science of addiction have led to advances in drug abuse treatment that help people stop abusing drugs and resume their productive lives. Addiction need not be a life sentence. Like other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed successfully. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction's powerful disruptive effects on brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.
These images of the dopamine transporter show the brain's remarkable potential to recover, at least partially, after a long abstinence from drugs - in this case, methamphetamine.
Image Source: The Journal of Neuroscience, 21(23):9414-9418. 2001; NIDA Web site.
