Is Drug Addiction a Brain Disease?

Question by Robert: is drug addiction a brain disease?

Best answer:

Answer by Ian
Recent studies have increased our knowledge of how drugs affect gene expression and brain circuitry, and how these factors affect human behavior. “Drug addiction is a brain disease,” says Dr. Volkow. “Although initial drug use might be voluntary, once addiction develops this control is markedly disrupted. Imaging studies have shown specific abnormalities in the brains of some, but not all, addicted individuals. While scientific advancements in the understanding of addiction have occurred at unprecedented speed in recent years, unanswered questions remain that highlight the need for further research to better define the neurobiological processes involved in addiction.”