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Addiction is a chronic brain disorder that is characterized by compulsive drug use in spite of adverse consequences. It causes functional changes to the part of the brain involved in reward, self-control, and stress. These changes last for a long time even after the person stops taking drugs. Substance or drug abuse is the method of taking dangerous amounts and methods of a particular drug. The drugs most commonly used are alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opioids, methaqualone, and methamphetamine. The signs of addiction are constant urge to use the drug, continuous use in spite of the trouble it causes you, keep buying drugs even if you cannot afford it, and feeling sick when you try to quit. The risk factors for developing addiction and substance abuse are aggressive childhood behavior, lack of parental supervision, poor social skills, experimentation, availability of drugs, etc. It hampers your judgment, decision-making skills, memory, and the ability to learn.