Addiction
A compulsive pattern of substance use despite harmful consequences.
Addiction is a compulsive pattern of substance use that continues despite harmful consequences. Know the withdrawal patterns, because alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening (delirium tremens, seizures), while opioid withdrawal is miserable but rarely fatal. Use nonjudgmental, person-first language such as “a person with a substance-use disorder” to preserve dignity and engagement.
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