It is important to know that addiction has multiple components. First, science has consistently documented that drug addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that affects behavior. Second, addiction happens in a social context and therefore environment plays a key role in the development, prevention, and treatment of this disease. Third, as is the case with many chronic diseases, relapse can occur. However, relapse does not mean that drug addition cannot be treated or that treatment has failed - rather it calls for a reinstatement of treatment and a long-term view to managing the disease.