To put in layman”s terms, addiction is the physical and psychological need to continue using a substance, despite its harmful or dangerous effects. The most common signs of addiction are: severe loss of control, preoccupation with using, failed attempts to stop and continued use despite serious consequences. Addiction causes serious damage to families, relationships,workplaces and neighborhoods. The most severe forms of addiction require intensive treatment at either a hospital or rehabilitation center.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is defined as a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations.

A person does not necessarily have to use substances every day or for many years to show signs of an addiction problem.