Addiction is a chronic disease characterizeddrug seeking and use that is compulsiveand hard to control despite the consequences.While the initial druguse might be voluntaryfor most people, continued drug use can cause brain changes, and lead to addiction, and the person’s ability to control ongoing usage. Because the brain changes persist, there are intense urges to use. Addiction is considered a relapsing disease becauseof the risk of a recovered person returning to use evenafter years of being drug free. However, drug addiction is treatable, and can be managedwhen treatmentitis tailored toanindividual treatment need.

Source: www.drugabuse.gov