Definition of Drug Addiction

Definition of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a complex disorder that can involve virtually every aspect of an individuals functioningin the family, at work, and in the community. In fact, drug abuse and addiction are among the most significant and challenging health and social problems facing society today. Fortunately, addiction is treatable. To understand the types and components of substance abuse detox doctor malibu, it is important to first be familiar with the nature of addiction.

Addiction is a chronic, progressive, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive use of one or more substances that results in physical, psychological, or social harm to the individual and continued use of the substance or substances despite this harm. Addiction is a brain disease. Research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that long-term exposure to drugs produces addictionthat is, the compulsion to take drugsby eliciting changes in specific neurons in the central nervous system.

It is important to note that not everyone who uses alcohol or experiments with illegal drugs goes on to become dependent or addicted. In fact, many people can use alcohol without serious negative consequences. Unfortunately, it is not possible to tell early on whose use may lead to addiction.

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