Condition
Addiction
Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain's reward, motivation, memory, and related circuits. It is a medical condition, just like diabetes or asthma — not a lack of willpower or a character flaw.
What happens in the brain
When someone uses a substance (like drugs or alcohol) or engages in an activity (like gambling) that is rewarding, it floods the brain's reward centre with neurotransmitters — primarily dopamine — which creates a feeling of intense pleasure. Over time, the brain changes and starts to need the substance or activity just to feel 'normal'.
Three core characteristics
Compulsion
An intense urge or craving to use the substance or engage in the behaviour. The person may think about it constantly.
Loss of control
Continued use despite knowing it is causing harm — to health, relationships, work, or finances. The person often wants to stop but cannot.
Tolerance and withdrawal
Over time, more of the substance is needed to achieve the same effect (tolerance). When they stop using, they can experience unpleasant physical and mental symptoms (withdrawal).
The fundamental truth
Addiction is a condition where a person cannot stop using a drug or engaging in a behaviour even when it is clearly hurting them and the people they love. It requires treatment, not judgement — and recovery is absolutely possible.
How we treat this at IASO
Treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric assessment to understand the full picture — your history, your symptoms, and what you actually need. From there we build a plan around you: evidence-based, paced sensibly, and revisited as you progress.
Care may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination — chosen and adjusted based on what works for you. Everything is discussed openly, and nothing is prescribed without a clear clinical reason.