The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as:
“Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.
Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases.” (ASAM, 2019)
This means that addiction is a long-lasting brain disease that impacts every facet of an individual’s life. Overcoming addiction, therefore, requires positive treatment and support in every area of an individual’s life. Preventing substance use and the onset of addiction whenever possible is the most impactful measure to prevent the long-term negative outcomes of addiction.