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THE ADDICTION DISEASE MODEL Columbia researchers de ne the addiction disease as “a complex disease of the brain and body that involves compulsive use of one or more substances despite serious health and social consequences. Addiction disrupts regions of the brain that are responsible for reward, motivation, learning, judgement and memory. It damages various body systems as well as families, relationships, schools, workplaces and neighborhoods.” The American Medical Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine de ne addiction as being caused by a combination of behavioral, environmental and biological factors, much like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

its not just a bad habit

The Disease of the Brain.

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25 to 50 percent of people with substance use problems appear to have a severe, chronic disorder, Columbia researchers write. For them, addiction is a progressive, relapsing disease that requires intensive treatment and continuing aftercare, monitoring and family or peer support to manage their recovery.

CHRONIC ADDICTION DISEASE In the most chronic cases, Columbia researchers write, people stop caring about the well-being or survival of themselves or others. Researchers de ne a chronic disease as “a long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured.” Once af icted with addiction disease, the odds of it becoming chronic are high.

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