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What is Addiction?

Definition of Addiction

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addictive Behavior Can Be Characterized by 5 Specific Features:

  • Inability to Abstain
  • Behavioral Control Impairment
  • Craving
  • Diminished recognition of Significant Problems
  • Emotional dysfunction

Source, and further information: 

https://www.asam.org/resources/definition-of-addiction

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