Subtitle 1: What is Addiction? Beyond Substance Abuse Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive substance use or behavior despite harmful consequences. It is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines it as a primary disease of the brain’s reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. Common addictions include alcohol, nicotine, opioids, stimulants, gambling, gaming, social media, and shopping.