What is alcohol or drug addiction?
Alcohol or drug addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable alcohol or drug craving, seeking and use that persist even in the face of very negative consequences. Alcohol or drug seeking becomes compulsive in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on the brain functioning and, thus, on behavior. For many people, alcohol or drug use becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence.
