Yes. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that affects the brain and causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.
Addiction is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain—in structure and in function. It's true that for most people, the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary. Over time, however, drug abuse can cause changes to the brain that erode a person's self control and ability to make sound decisions, while sending intense impulses to take drugs.
