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Abstract
Although the concept of addiction has been with us since biblical times, science continues to seek a definition or diagnostic description in physiological and behavioral terms which meets tests of reliability and validity. Such efforts have yet to meet with success. This diagnostic confusion is to some extent reflected in the disappointing results in a wide variety of efforts to treat various conditions which have been labeled “addictions.” The law acknowledges that addiction usually involves intoxication and may result in brain changes which may cause an individual to be unable to act in a prudent manner, to be incompetent or to have diminished ability to observe, remember or recount
Continuing research efforts will hopefully provide reliable and valid definitions of addiction with respect to measurable effects in brain function.