Science tells us that addiction is not a choice. But substance use disorders can make our loved ones do hurtful things, which can feel a whole lot like personal choices. Why?

Because addiction hijacks the brain. It makes a person’s brain believe that substances are essential for survival. More essential than food, shelter, or even relationships.

In a new video series, the Addiction Policy Forum tackles this misunderstood aspect of addiction science. The video translates research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) into a brief, easy-to-follow story with the help of award-winning animator Patrick Smith. Watch the video below.

Originally published in 2018.