Addiction is commonly described as any compulsive behavior that has short-term benefits and long-term destruction. Addiction is a disease of the brain that leads to the abuse or dependence of mind-altering chemicals. Addiction can also lead to acting out behaviors that are destructive to the user and his/her family. It results in an overall deterioration of the mind, body and spirit. It has both a biological and a psychological component:

• Biological: The body gets used to chemical substances and gradually builds a tolerance. The individual then experiences cravings and urges to use in order to feel normal again. Withdrawal symptoms manifest when the chemical substance is no longer fed into the body.
  
  
• Psychological: The mind becomes dependent on chemical substances. This mental dependency causes obsessive thinking about using and the individual feels he/she cannot survive without the drug.

Addiction is not the result of an immoral constitution, and it is not necessarily attributed to deep psychological issues. Some individuals are born with a pre-disposition to addiction due to brain chemistry and some have received it through genetic inheritance.

What is chemical dependency?

The chronic use of chemical substances in which the individual has developed a tolerance (when an individual needs more of the substance to get the same effect) and experiences withdrawal symptoms (physical symptoms manifested by the body needing the substance to feel normal again).

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse is the harmful use of substances despite the awareness of problems that result from that use. The individual uses substances to deal with feelings and to deal with life itself.