Addiction at first is a choice, but it turns into a disease of the brain. This brain disease (Addiction) is, excel by life experiences, genetics, trauma, environments, and social structure. When the brain chemistry gets rewired from the substance, Two major things happen:

1. The individual starts living their life to satisfy the reward part of the brain. The brain circuitry known as the "reward system." The regions of the brain comprising the "reward system" use the neurotransmitter dopamine to communicate. Neurons that release dopamine are activated when we expect to receive a reward.

2. The damage of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the brain. The prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain located at the front of the frontal lobe. It implicated in a variety of complex behaviors, including planning, decision making, and significantly contributes to personality development.

When the prefrontal cortex is damage, it prevents people from setting and achieving goals. Receiving improper inputs from other regions of the brain to process information and adaptations is minimize. The result of the prefrontal cortex being damage contributes to a wide variety of  behaviors issues, including:

• Focusing one's attention

• Predicting the consequences of one's actions; anticipating events in the environment

• Impulse control; managing emotional reactions

• Planning for the future

• Coordinating and adjusting complex behaviors ("I can't do A until B happens")

Disruption of the PFC in addiction underlies not only compulsive drug taking but also accounts for the disadvantageous behaviors that are associated with addiction and the erosion of free will.

Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. They keep using alcohol or a drug even when they know it will cause problems. Yet a number of effective treatments are available and people can recover from addiction and lead normal, productive lives.

People fighting ADDICTION lives their life to maximize the release of dopamine; they are most likely making BAD and SELFISH decisions.  These decisions cause a ripple effect that influences their future.

Symptoms of substance use disorder are grouped into four categories:

• Impaired control: a craving or strong urge to use the substance; desire or failed attempts to cut down or control substance use

• Social problems: substance use causes failure to complete major tasks at work, school or home; social, work or leisure activities are given up or cut back because of substance use

• Risky use: substance is used in risky settings; continued use despite known problems

• Drug effects: tolerance (need for larger amounts to get the same effect); withdrawal symptoms (different for each substance)

Many people experience both mental illness and addiction. The mental illness may be present before the addiction. Or the addiction may trigger or make a mental disorder worse.