Addiction—the severe form of a substance use disorder—is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive substance-seeking and use despite harmful consequences.

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It is considered a brain disease because in some people substance use changes how the brain functions. These changes make it progressively more difficult to stop the unhealthy behaviors that are common among people with an active SUD.

SUDs are diagnosed by assessing cognitive, behavioral, and psychological symptoms. They range from mild to severe and from temporary to chronic. SUDs typically develop gradually over time with repeated substance use, leading to impairments in areas of the brain that control reward, stress, decision-making, memory, and impulse-control.

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Addiction is treatable! Services and Resources are available.