The term addiction disorder refers to a category of complex disorders characterised by pathological or uncontrolled use of a substance (legal or illicit) despite ongoing physical, emotional or socio-economic harm caused by the substance. Addiction disorders may be associated with tolerance where more of the same substance is required over time to reproduce the desired effect. Addiction disorders may also be associated with dependence where continued use of the same or similar substance is used to prevent cravings or physical withdrawal from the addictive substance.

Addiction disorders are associated with physical/structural (anatomical) and physiological /functional (neurochemical) changes in the brain. These changes are linked to the withdrawal effects and/or craving of the addicted substance, altered behaviour and altered cognition/judgement/decision making.

Addiction disorders often lead to impaired ability to carry out day to day activities, disrupted social relationships, economic repercussions with job loss and increased risk of problems with law enforcement.

Commonly abused substances are:

1. Nicotine
2. Alcohol
3. Cannabis
4. Stimulants such as Crystal methamphetamine, Crack, Cocaine
5. Hallucinogens such as; LSD, MDMA or Ecstacy
6. Heroin
7. Methaqualone or mandrax
8. Over The Counter (OTC) pills such as pain medication containing codeine
9. Benzodiazepine/ tranquilizer or sedative abuse
10. Inhalants such as glue or paint thinners