Introduction: Addiction is a Disease

Why do so many people with substance abuse disorders suffer in silence? Until recently, addiction was viewed as a moral failing and the stigma it created created obstacles to accessing treatment and shifting public opinion. But, thanks to new scientific research, attitudes have begun to change, and it is now widely accepted that addiction is a disease. It is a complex, chronic brain disease. Breaking barriers to treatment of addiction requires redefining addiction as a medical condition, replacing judgment with understanding and compassion, and providing improved access to evidence-based treatment.