Substance use disorder is a disease that changes the brain.
Here’s how.
When someone has a substance use disorder, their brain changes to think that drugs or alcohol are needed to survive. This is a long-term health condition, just like chancer, diabetes, or arthritis. And like other chronic conditions, substance use disorders can be treated with ongoing treatment that has been proven to work. While a substance use disorder does change the brain, people can and do get better. With the right mix of medicine, therapy, personalized support, and ongoing care, recovery is possible.