Brief Description
Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives. Read the DrugFacts
Read about the latest advances in addiction research in Nature Outlook: Addiction, a special supplement co-sponsored by NIDA and NIAAA. View the entire supplement at: http://www.nature.com/nature/outlook/addiction/. For a commentary authored by NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow and NIAAA Director Dr. George F. Koob, go to http://www.nature.com/nature/outlook/addiction/
pdf/NIDA_NIH.pdf (PDF,108KB).
The brain disease model of addiction is strongly supported by scientific evidence, according to a commentary - “Brain disease model of addiction: why is it so controversial?” , published in The Lancet Psychiatry by NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow and NIAAA Director Dr. George Koob.
Explaining Addiction
Why Are Drugs So Hard to Quit
Anyone Can Become Addicted to Drugs
IRP Researchers Spotlight
2014 Intel Addiction Science Winners
Related Publications
Related Policy Briefs
Related Resources
- Keeping Youth Drug Free - SAMHSA, Online Publication
- Mental Health and Addiction Insurance Help - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Video: "Adolescent Substance Use, Addiction, and Treatment" with Sarah Bagley, M.D. - Office of Adolescent Health
Get this Publication
TEDMED 2014
Featured Publication
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction
Addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.
Need a tool to help people stay drug-free?
