Addiction

What is addiction?

Addiction is a complex disease, often chronic in nature, which affects the functioning of the brain and body. It also causes serious damage to families, relationships, schools, workplaces and neighborhoods. The most common symptoms of addiction are severe loss of control, continued use despite serious consequences, preoccupation with using, failed attempts to quit, tolerance and withdrawal. Addiction can be effectively prevented, treated and managed by healthcare professionals in combination with family or peer support.

40 Million or >1 in 7, ages 12 and older have a substance problem. This is more than the number of Americans with heart conditions, diabetes and cancer.

Nicotine affects brain development, which continues to age 25.