Addiction is a chronic brain disease from "summary" of Drugs, Addiction, and the Brain by George F. Koob,Michael A. Arends,Michel Le Moal
The concept that addiction is a chronic brain disease is rooted in the understanding of how drugs and alcohol affect the brain. When a person consumes these substances, they interact with the brain's reward system, causing a surge of dopamine that creates feelings of pleasure and reinforces the behavior of drug use. Over time, repeated drug use can lead to changes in the brain's structure and function, specifically in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and stress regulation. These changes can make it difficult for a person to control their drug use, even when they are aware of the negative consequences. This loss of control is a hallmark of addiction and is driven by alterations in the brain that prioritize drug seeking and use above other activities necessary for survival. In this way, addiction can be seen as a maladaptive form of learning, where the brain rewires itself to prioritize drug ...
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