By Rey Ximenes, M.D. An addiction is a chronic disease. It is considered a chronic relapsing brain disease where the brain, particularly the pleasure/survival center, is being hijacked to consider the addiction or addictive behavior integral to your very own survival. This area of your brain is responsible for your “fight or flight” response. Addictive substances and/or behavior, such as sex, gambling, or over eating, stimulates that area of the brain and can increase dopamine sent to your brain receptors. These substances can actually stimulate this area of your brain as much as 1800% more than your usual behaviors necessary for