Addiction

A brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use or behavior despite harmful consequence. People with addiction have an intense focus on a certain substance or behavior, such as alcohol, drugs or gambling, to the point that it takes over their life. These behaviors persist despite negative consequences such as loss of job or family.  There is a significant biological component to addiction, meaning if you have a close relative with an addiction then you are at increased risk of developing one yourself.