Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug use, despite harmful consequences.
Some people are still under the impression that a drug user can just stop, but this is not how addiction works. This is why it cannot be treated with willpower or motivation alone.
Addiction is a lot like other diseases, such as heart disease. Both have the potential to disrupt organ function and create harmful effects, yet both are usually preventable and treatable. Without treatment, however, the conditions can last a lifetime and result in disability and death.
Fortunately, we know more about addiction than in previous decades, and we know what it takes to fight this disease. While addiction can’t exactly be cured, it can be successfully treated and managed. There are many, many people who have achieved long-term sobriety and are living their lives freely.
