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Addiction Science

Brief Description

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.  Read the DrugFacts

Cover of Nature issue on Addiction

Read about the latest advances in addiction research in Nature Outlook: Addiction, a special supplement co-sponsored by NIDA and NIAAA. View the entire supplement at: http://www.nature.com/nature/outlook/addiction/. For a commentary authored by NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow and NIAAA Director Dr. George F. Koob, go to http://www.nature.com/nature/outlook/addiction/
pdf/NIDA_NIH.pdf (PDF,108KB).

Cover of Lancet journal

The brain disease model of addiction is strongly supported by scientific evidence, according to a commentary - “Brain disease model of addiction: why is it so controversial?” , published in The Lancet Psychiatry by NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow and NIAAA Director Dr. George Koob.

Explaining Addiction

Why Are Drugs So Hard to Quit

Anyone Can Become Addicted to Drugs

IRP Researchers Spotlight

Brain Imaging
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2014 Intel Addiction Science Winners

2014 Intel Addiction Science Winners
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Related Publications

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Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction

Provides scientific information about the disease of drug addiction, including the many harmful consequences of drug misuse and the basic approaches that have been developed to prevent and treat the disease. (July 2018) En Español

Principles of Substance Abuse Prevention for Early Childhood

This guide, intended for parents, practitioners, and policymakers, begins with a list of 7 principles addressing the specific ways in which early interventions can have positive effects on development; these principles reflect findings on the influence of intervening early with vulnerable populations, on the course of child development, and on common elements of early childhood programs. (March 2016)

Understanding Drug Use and Addiction

Provides an overview of drug use and addiction, including what happens in the brain during drug use, why some people become addicted while others don’t, and the importance of prevention. (June 2018) En Español

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Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction: What Science Says

The third in a 5-part series, reviews the science behind drug abuse and addiction and introduces the topics of prevention and treatment. (February 2016)

Equips teachers and students in grades 9 through 12 with interactive curriculum on the neurobiology of the brain as a result of drug abuse and addiction.

The Brain: Understanding Neurobiology Through the Study of Addiction

Equips teachers and students in grades 9 through 12 with interactive curriculum on the neurobiology of the brain as a result of drug abuse and addiction. (March 2010)

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Bringing the Power of Science to Bear on Drug Abuse and Addiction

The fifth in a 5-part series, summarizes the science behind drug abuse and addiction, reviews the harmful consequences of drug use, and poses the question of whether it is worth the risk. (January 2007)

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The Neurobiology of Ecstasy (MDMA)

The fourth in a 5-part series, explores the biology behind ecstasy use in the brain and discusses both short- and long-term effects of its use. (January 2007)

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Related Policy Briefs

Treating Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy

Treating Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy

This brief fact sheet discusses the risks of untreated opioid use disorder during pregnancy, particularly neonatal abstinence syndrome, and provides evidence-based treatment options that have been shown to be safe and effective. (July 2017)

Related Resources

Other Resources

Past information on many drugs of abuse is available on our Archives site.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies in human volunteers conducted to answer specific health questions. Learn about the NIH-sponsored clinical trials available to you.

Other Clinical Trials information sources:

This page was last updated July 2015

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    Cite this article

    NIDA. (2015, July 29). Addiction Science. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/addiction-science

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    TEDMED 2014

    Why do our brains get addicted?

    "Why do our brains get addicted?," TEDMED 2014

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    Featured Publication

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    Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

    Addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.

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    Drugs & the Brain Wallet Card
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