What is Addiction? Addiction is a primary and chronic disease of the brain's reward and memory circuits. Addiction is the inability to consistently abstain from a substance leading to impaired behavioral control. This forms cravings, a reduced idea of ​​significant problems with one's behavior, and dysfunctional emotional responses (Definition of Addiction 2014. p 1). There are several substances that a person can become addicted to: alcohol, drugs, food, sex, etc. These substances influence neurotransmitters and interactions within the brain's reward structures. Thus giving the person a pleasant sensation that he wants to recreate again and again. Most people are unable to control their desired substance use. They may continue to use the substance despite knowing that it is harmful. There are characteristic phases of withdrawal and relapse. The withdrawal phase is when the addicted person tries to stop using. Unfortunately most are unsuccessful because it is almost too difficult to quit on your own. This is followed by a relapse phase in which they begin using the substance again. Addiction can cause serious long-term consequences, including mental and physical health, relationship, job, and legal problems. Helping a person overcome an addiction may require help from a doctor, family, friends, support groups, or an organized treatment program. In today's society, there is a controversial discussion about whether addiction is truly a brain disease or not. Some people believe that addiction is actually a brain disease that those affected cannot control, while others believe it is a test of strength and will. Both arguments have valid points that can be discussed further. Addiction... at the heart of the document... it is so difficult for addicts to quit on their own. Quitting isn't just pure willpower. When your brain is affected and changed, it becomes even more difficult. My cousin became addicted to drugs and went through several rehab programs, but each time he fell back into the same addictive behaviors as before. Now I understand why it was so difficult for him to resist and stay clean. His brain was no longer the same as before, the drugs had hijacked his dopamine receptors, making his brain crave higher and higher levels of dopamine. This eventually led to his death from an overdose of several types of drugs. Addiction is what it is. Every person in the world has a point of view, perspective or opinion about it. There are two sides to every story. Some individuals believe it is a brain disease while others do not. Which side will you choose regarding addiction?