Scientific research has led experts to conclude that addiction is a disease, a chronic illness just like diabetes, depression or hypertension. Scientific evidence has also established that the substance-dependent brain is physiologically and bio-chemically different from a "normal" brain.

Despite the fact that the American Medical Association (AMA) specifies that alcohol and drug addiction are diseases, the misconception exists that these conditions are merely moral shortcomings.

Drugs, alcohol and certain behaviors affect the reward centers of the brain. These substances raise the levels of certain neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of the brain, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Chronic use of drugs and alcohol over-stimulates the brain until it is unable to support itself with its own chemicals. This leads to depression, intense cravings, withdrawal, and deeper addiction.

Surprisingly, addiction is not the actual use of drugs or alcohol, or even the occasional abuse of them. Addiction, due to chemical imbalances in the brain, is the uncontrollable desire to use the substances regardless of the negative consequences that might result.

Addiction is defined as the compulsive need for and use of something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, characterized by tolerance and will be defined by physiological symptoms upon withdrawal. The word "drug" is defined as "a chemical substance that affects the central nervous system, causing changes in behavior and often addiction. " It is essential to understand that when dealing with addicts, we are dealing with individuals whose brains have been altered by use, regardless of the substance or behavior involved. Addiction is a complex brain disease characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, cravings. Seeking and use that persists even in the face of extremely negative health and social consequences