Drug addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the drug addict and those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can impair a person’s self-control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time create an intense impulse to take drugs.

Long-term drug abuse causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits, as well. Brain imaging studies of drug-addicted individuals show changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision-making, learning and memory, and behavior control. Together, these changes can drive an abuser to seek out and take drugs compulsively — in other words, to become addicted to drugs. While these brain changes can powerfully influence behavior and the impulse to use drugs, people in the midst of an addiction do not completely lose their ability to exercise judgment and make decisions; their desire to stop using drugs and pursue treatment hinges on the wish to live sober. As with many chronic, relapsing disorders, recovery then becomes an active lifelong process.

Drug addiction can be a preventable disease. Research has shown that prevention programs that involve the family, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse. Although many events and cultural factors affect drug abuse trends, when youths perceive drug abuse as harmful, they reduce their drug taking. It is necessary, therefore, to help youth and the general public to understand the risks of drug abuse and for teachers, parents, and health care professionals to keep sending the message that drug addiction can be prevented if a person never abuses drugs.

How can we compare the 2nd and the 3rd paragraphs?

A
Both paragraphs tell about the brain damage caused by drug addiction.

B
While the 2nd paragraph tells about changes in other brain chemical systems, the 3rd one tells about the prevention.

C
Both paragraphs tell how to get rid of drug addiction

D
The 2nd paragraph tells about the damage in other brain chemical systems, the 3rd one tells about rehabilitation of the users.

E
Both paragraphs tell about the ways how to prevent drug addiction.

Drug addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the drug addict and those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can impair a person’s self-control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time create an intense impulse to take drugs.