Understanding the Concept of Addiction

Addiction is a complex and chronic dysfunction of the brain system that involves reward, motivation, and memory. It is characterized by an intense craving for a substance or behavior, often leading to compulsive and obsessive search for “reward” without regard for the consequences. Addiction is an inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior despite the psychological and physical harm it causes. The disease model of addiction describes it as a set of chemical changes that occur in the brain. Although it is still a controversial concept, it is the most widely accepted model in treatment approaches.