Drug addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences.
Drug seeking affects brain functioning and thus behaviors. Why do drug-addicted persons keep using drugs?Nearly all addicted individuals believe at the outset that they can stop using drugs on their own, and most try to stop without treatment. Although some people are successful, many attempts result in failure to achieve longterm abstinence.
What is drug addiction treatment?
Drug treatment is intended to help addicted individuals stop compulsive drug seeking and use. Treatment can occur in a variety of settings, in many different forms, and for different lengths of time.
Support is essential to addiction recovery
Recovering from drug addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance.
Support can come from:
- family members
- close friends
- therapists or counselors