Addiction is a treatable health condition. It means a substance — or sometimes, a behavior — starts to take over, so a person keeps using even when it causes harm. This happens because repeated use can change brain circuits that handle reward, stress, and self-control. That’s why stopping can feel hard without help.
Some medical practictioners consider addiction as a chronic medical disease shaped by your brain, genes, environment, and life experiences — not a moral failure. With the right care, people do recover from addiction.
How clinicians talk about it
Doctors use a standard checklist from the DSM-5-TR to diagnose a substance use disorder (SUD). There are 11 possible symptoms, (for example: using more than planned, strong cravings, problems at school/work/home, risky use, tolerance or withdrawal). Two or three symptoms usually mean mild, four or five moderate, six or more severe. The point of the label is to match care to need, not to judge.
Why addiction happens
There isn’t one cause for addiction. Biology matters (some people are more at risk), so do stress, trauma, and easy access. The brain also learns quickly: if a substance brings fast relief or pleasure, the brain “tags” it as important and nudges you to repeat it. Over time, heavy or frequent use can rewire the reward and self-control systems. The same science that explains this also explains why treatment works—brains can heal and habits can change.
Tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal
- Tolerance: the same amount does less than it used to.
- Dependence: your body has adapted; you may feel withdrawal when you stop.
- Withdrawal can be uncomfortable (anxiety, poor sleep, nausea, sweating, tremor). With alcohol and some sedatives, it can be dangerous—sometimes causing seizures or delirium tremens. If you drink heavily or use sedatives often, do not quit suddenly without medical advice.
What counts as an “addiction”?
Clinicians look at the pattern over the past year: loss of control, cravings, life problems from use, risky situations, and signs of tolerance/withdrawal. It’s not about one bad weekend—it’s about ongoing impact. The DSM-5-TR framework helps decide the right level of help (self-management, outpatient care, or more support).
Substances and behaviors involved
- Common substances: alcohol, nicotine/vaping, cannabis, opioids (heroin, fentanyl, pain pills), stimulants (cocaine, meth, some ADHD meds when misused), sedatives (benzodiazepines), and others.
- Behavioral: Gambling disorder is recognized in DSM-5-TR. Gaming disorder appears in the WHO’s ICD-11. In both, the core problem is loss of control and harm.
When it’s an emergency
Some situations are life-threatening—especially alcohol overdose (confusion, can’t stay awake, vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, very low body temperature). Call 911. Don’t assume someone will “sleep it off.”
Treatment that works
There isn’t one “right” path. Most people do best with a mix of supports.
Counseling (talk therapy).
Approaches like motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy help people set goals, handle triggers and cravings, and plan for tough moments. (These are standard, evidence-based methods used in clinics and via telehealth.)
Medications (for certain addictions).
- Alcohol use disorder: naltrexone or acamprosate are first-line; disulfiram can help some people who choose abstinence and have supervision.
- Opioid use disorder: buprenorphine or methadone lower cravings and reduce overdose risk; naltrexone can help after detox in selected cases.
- Tobacco/nicotine: varenicline, bupropion SR, and nicotine replacement (patch plus gum/lozenge) are safe and effective for adults who smoke.
Good care matches your goals (quit vs. cut down), your health conditions, and your preferences—and often combines meds + therapy.
Harm reduction (staying safer on the way to change)
If you’re not ready to stop, you still deserve safety and respect. Basic steps: avoid mixing alcohol with opioids or benzodiazepines (it can slow or stop breathing), do not use alone if opioids may be present, carry naloxone where available, and plan no-use days to lower risk. (Your country or province/state may offer naloxone and other supports.)
Helping someone you care about
Start with care and facts: “I’m worried because I’ve noticed ___, and I care about you.” Ask what they feel ready to try.
Offer practical help — finding a clinic, a ride to an appointment, removing alcohol or unused meds from the home if they ask. Set fair boundaries so you can keep showing up. Keep crisis numbers in your phone (988 in the U.S.; 9-8-8 in Canada).
Where to find help
United States
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call/text/chat 988 for mental-health or substance-use crises.
- FindTreatment.gov — national locator for addiction and mental-health services.
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), 24/7.
Canada
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline — call/text 9-8-8 nationwide.
- Government of Canada: Get help with mental health and substance use — links to provincial/territorial services. Canada.ca
Sources
- NIDA: What addiction is; how drugs change the brain. National Institute on Drug Abuse
- ASAM: Medical definition of addiction. ASAM
- APA/DSM-5-TR: SUD symptoms and severity framework. psychiatry.org
- NIAAA/MedlinePlus: Alcohol overdose signs; alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens. NIAAA
- Treatment guidelines: APA (AUD meds); NIDA (medications for OUD); CDC (quit-smoking medicines). Psychiatry Online
- Hotlines: 988 Lifeline (U.S.); 9-8-8 (Canada). 988 Lifeline