What is addiction and how does it harm health?

Experts Explain Addiction and Its Health Harms

Addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive substance use or engagement in rewarding behaviors despite harmful consequences, experts say. Clinicians describe a pattern of changing brain circuits — reward, stress and self-control — that reinforces seeking and using. Over time tolerance can develop, requiring greater amounts to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms appear when use stops.

Health harms from addiction are wide-ranging. Physically, substance addictions can damage the heart, liver and lungs, impair immune function and increase risk of overdose and infectious disease. Behaviorally driven addictions, such as gambling or excessive screen use, may contribute to sedentary lifestyles, poor sleep and disrupted eating. Psychologically, addiction commonly co-occurs with depression, anxiety and suicidality, complicating diagnosis and care.

Social and economic consequences further erode wellbeing. Addiction often undermines relationships, employment and housing stability, which in turn worsens health outcomes. Children and families experience secondary effects, including neglect, trauma and increased healthcare needs, clinicians report.

Evidence-based treatment reduces harm and supports recovery. Approaches include medications for opioid, alcohol and tobacco dependence, cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management and harm reduction strategies such as supervised consumption services and needle exchange. Integrated care that addresses co-occurring mental health conditions improves prognosis, specialists say.

Public health experts emphasize prevention, early intervention and reducing stigma. Screening in primary care, access to affordable treatment, education about safe prescribing and community support networks are cited as critical measures. While addiction can be chronic and relapsing, many people achieve sustained recovery with appropriate medical, psychological and social supports.

Researchers note that timely intervention lowers hospitalizations and disease spread, and policymakers are urged to fund integrated services, workforce training and public education campaigns to expand evidence-based care and decrease the long-term medical, social and economic toll of addiction across communities nationally and locally.