Which statement best defines drug addiction?

• A. Chronic, relapsing brain disease with drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences
• B. A short-term problem caused by poor judgment
• C. A voluntary habit that resolves with time
• D. A mood disorder with episodic craving

Answer: (A)

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that drives compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. This reflects real brain changes in reward, motivation, memory, and self-control that make it hard to stop even when there’s strong desire to quit and awareness of harm. Because these neural changes can persist long after use stops, relapse is common and long-term management is often needed. This isn’t simply a short-term problem from poor judgment, nor a fully voluntary habit that resolves with time, and it isn’t just a mood disorder with episodic craving. Craving may occur, but the defining aspect is the enduring brain-driven compulsivity and continued use despite negative outcomes.