Addiction to a substance such as drugs or alcohol is a disease of the brain that keeps the user dependent upon the substance. Addiction should not be confused with drug use, in which the user voluntarily chooses to use the substance. Unlike recreational drug users, addicts' brains have changed their relationship with the drug to limit or erase their ability to exercise self-control in regards to the substance. Addicts will find themselves unable to stop themselves from using the drug despite its known harm to themselves and others around them.

Luckily for addicts and those in their lives, there is help to be had. Treatment for drug addiction can be highly effective when tailored correctly to the individual. Most treatment options use a combination of medication and behavioral therapy designed to bring about physical relief from withdrawal symptoms, a chemical or hormonal balance that will keep the addict from feeling the need to use, education about the harmful effects that the drug can have on their body, mind, and life, and tactics to help them maintain control when faced with temptation.

Because addiction is a chronic medical disease, it is one that will need to be treated as such. Just as with diseases such as cancer, there is the possibility of a relapse. The relapse of an addict does not mean they've failed, just as relapse of a cancer patient would not mean all hope was lost. Rather, it means that a new or different tactic for treating the condition will need to be explored and practiced to ensure a full and lifelong recovery.