The scientific construction of addiction is continually evolving and even the etymology of the word “addiction” is more complex than we know, says this 2017 study. The medical community now uses the term substance use disorder, in lieu of addiction, to describe the disorder in behavior caused by changes in the brain from continued substance use.
Substance use becomes a major preoccupation for people with substance use disorder, and they continue to use despite significant life consequences. For example, persons who have a substance use disorder with opioids (i.e. opioid use disorder), have a physical and mental reliance on substances that extends beyond combating pain or intrusive symptoms related to ailments or post surgical procedures.