Addiction is a chronic brain disorder and not simply a behavior problem involving alcohol, drugs, gambling or sex, experts contend in a new definition of addiction, one that is not solely related to ...

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American Over the past year and a half, Scientific ...

The terms “addiction” and “dependence” can seem similar, but they are different. Dependence occurs when the body physically relies on a drug. Addiction involves changes in behavior. A person with an ...

The word “addiction” gets used a lot in our lives. There is the more precise clinical use of the term, which speaks about “uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences.” Another ...

When science first studied addictive behavior individuals who became addicted to a substance commonly were viewed as being morally flawed human beings lacking willpower. Today, that view has changed.

My previous posts have focused on recognizing and preventing excessive substance use, with an emphasis on providing the latest information about my special interest – cannabis (see 20 Questions to ...

The standard definition of drug or alcohol addiction is that it's a chronic, incurable disease of the brain. In a comprehensive report on the topic, published last month, the surgeon general gives ...