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Addiction is a brain disease, and it matters
1National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10-05, Rockville, MD 20857, USA. leshner@nih.gov
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 6, 1997
Summary
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease influenced by prolonged drug use. Effective treatments require biological, behavioral, and social strategies to manage compulsive drug seeking and reduce societal costs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Scientific understanding of drug addiction has evolved over 20 years.
- Addiction is recognized as a chronic, relapsing brain disease.
- Prolonged drug exposure alters brain function, leading to addiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the brain disease model of addiction.
- To emphasize the importance of integrated treatment approaches.
- To inform public health and social policy regarding drug addiction.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific advances in addiction research.
- Analysis of the neurobiological, behavioral, and social aspects of addiction.
- Synthesis of evidence supporting comprehensive treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder.
- Behavioral and social factors are integral to addiction.
- Integrated biological, behavioral, and social treatments are most effective.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing addiction as a brain disease is crucial for effective policy.
- Comprehensive treatment addressing biological, behavioral, and social components is recommended.
- This approach can mitigate the health and social costs of drug abuse.