1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Alcoholism

What is Drug Addiction?

From National Institute on Drug Abuse, for About.com

Updated November 21, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: What is Drug Addiction?
Answer: Drug addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning and on behavior. For many people, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence.
Buddy T
Guide since 1997

Buddy T
Alcoholism Guide

Explore Alcoholism
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Alcoholism
  4. Facts for Teens
  5. FAQ for Teens
  6. Drug Addiction - What is Drug Addiction?>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.