For those who are concerned about their substance use—and those who love them— this pamphlet defines substance use disorder (a disease of the brain), outlines risk factors and the role of stigma, and discusses treatment.

There is a lot of misunderstanding about substance use disorder (SUD), also known as addiction. For generations, our culture has portrayed people who have SUD as immoral or weak-willed. Yet scientists who study the brain have learned that those with substance use disorder have a brain disease. Even so, the stigma—or prejudice—surrounding addiction still exists powerfully in the minds of many who fear they or a loved one have SUD.

This pamphlet walks you through the neurobiology of addiction, showing how substance use affects the brain, and identifies risk factors for substance use disorder. It helps destigmatize addiction, making it less difficult for people to reach out for and offer help.