At the core of addiction lies an irresistible urge to indulge in a substance or behavior, despite the consequences that ensue. It is marked by a persistent craving to seek out and engage in an activity, often resulting in a loss of self-control and a disregard for negative outcomes. This compulsion is driven by changes in the brain's reward and motivation pathways, brought on by the repeated use of a substance or behavior, and creates a vicious cycle that can be challenging to break.Addiction can take hold in various ways, but the hallmark of this condition is the inability to resist the urge to engage in it, even at the cost of one's well-being. Critical developmental phases in a person's life combine with genetic and environmental factors to influence the likelihood of addiction.