# ASAM Definition of Addiction `Addiction` is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social, and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors. `Addiction` is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death. ## Characteristics of addiction from ASAM’s definition of addiction - Inability to consistently `A`bstain Impairment in `B`ehavioral control - `C`raving; or increased “hunger” for drugs or rewarding experiences - `D`iminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships - A dysfunctional `E`motional response