Definition of Addiction:

Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.

Partners for Prevention in Allegany County(PPAC) focuses on a wide-range of addictions from alcohol to gambling. The most common addictive substance used by adults in Allegany County is alcohol. The most common addictive substance use by teenagers in Allegany County is vaping of nicotine.

Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases. – American Society of Addiction Medicine.