Addiction is a Disorder of an Altered Cognition

Addiction is a condition that results when a person develops a habit to take substances like alcohol, drugs, nicotine or engages in activities like sex, gambling which continue to become a compulsive behavior over a period of time. Addiction could be of particular substance or behavior. The addiction interferes with one's responsibilities, relationships and health. In most cases, the person is not aware that his / her addiction might be causing problems to the people around them. The health status also declines faster resulting in serious psychological and physical effects. The cause of addiction largely remains obscure. However, many researchers believe that addiction is a form of cognitive impairment which comes as a result of excessive substance abuse.