Addiction disease is an acquired, chronic change in the brain's reward system where memories of the experiences that caused the addiction are stored. Today, addiction to cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, tablets and gambling is classified as an addiction. There are several other behaviors that one can become addicted to and that are similar to addiction. Examples of these are sex and relationship addiction, shopping addiction and workaholism.

Today, it is unclear whether the brain can fully recover from an addiction. Through research, it is known that the chance of a drug / alcohol-free life increases if you can stay drug-free / sober for 5-7 years. The majority, about 80 percent, relapse within a year. Today, there is a lack of adequate treatment for addictive diseases. The treatment often consists of therapy and medication. A well-known and proven treatment is the 12-step program. Medications can help reduce alcohol cravings, intoxication and prolong alcohol-free periods so that the brain has a chance to recover. Research is underway to find new drugs for addictive diseases and also to better combine the treatments available.