Overview

What is Addiction?

We answer the most common questions asked about addiction.

These common questions include:

 

 

 

    TERMINOLOGY

EPIDEMIOLOGY

ETIOLOGY

IMPACT

PHENOMENOLOGY

         

icon for page on The personal experiences of individuals currently or formerly living with substance use disorder

How is addiction defined?

The Terminology section defines addiction. It also details subtypes and how clinicians diagnose addiction.

How prevalent is addiction?

The Epidemiology section provides estimates of how common substance use disorder is overall, and also among particular demographic sub-groups.

What causes addiction?

The Etiology section summarizes the risk factors for developing a substance use disorder, and the protective factors that help to guard against the development of one.

What is the impact of addiction?

The Impact section summarizes how substance use affects individual and population health, as well as other social and economic ramifications.

What is it like to be addicted?

The Phenomenology section shares the personal experiences of individuals currently or formerly living with substance use disorder.

Signs and Symptoms Prevention Guide Harm Reduction Guide Guide to Drinking Levels Multiple Pathways to Recovery