The Definition Of Addiction

Addiction, it is all around us, affecting people from all walks of life, it is not limited to certain social classes or lifestyles. It is found in every ethnic group, regardless of gender or age. It affects our neighbors, our friends, and our family either directly or indirectly. Although substances such as alcohol and illegal drugs are two of the most common addictions we hear about, there is a wide range of substances and even activities such as gambling and shopping. There is some debate whether addiction is a brain disease or a choice.

What do you think of when you hear the word addiction? When I hear the word addiction the first thing that comes to mind is how many family members and friends I lost due to an addiction. Addiction is a condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, and or activity. Some people use a substance because it’s an attempt for them to try and escape from their problems. When individuals abuse drugs they are more likely to cause new problems in their life. Why do you think people turn to drugs? When individuals are addicted to drugs they believe it helps them with their anxiety or depression. According to, Everyday Health, “drug abuse is less about the amount of substance consumed or the frequency, and more about the reason people

What is addiction? The most common definition is the condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity. Addiction is so much more than that. People with addiction may not realize that their problem is out of control and could be causing problems for themselves or others around them. Addiction becomes an all-time thing and interferes with usual life responsibilities like relationships, social life, work, and health. People that are struggling with addiction, often cannot quit on their own. Addiction is an illness that entails treatment,

‘Addiction is a mental illness that nearly 22.7 million Americans (eight percent of the population) needed treatment for in 2013’ many people in the world today suffer from addiction (National Institute on Drug Abuse).Becoming aware of what addiction is, the effects of it, and how to prevent it will help keep the cycle from occurring.

Addiction is a disease in which the body must have medication to eschew physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. When utilizing this type of medication, behaviour becomes compulsive and uncontrollable. Addiction leads to people making irrational decisions that interfere with ordinary life responsibilities. There have been drugs that increase, the cause of addiction, such as: marijuana, opioid, pain relievers, and cocaine. Addiction endeavored a compelling and influential impact on the brain that is distinguished in three different categories: craving for the object of addiction, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences. (Understanding Addiction. 2011)https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/how-addiction-hijacks-the-brain.html

Addiction is defined as “a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (e.g., gambling, sex, shopping) that can be pleasurable but the continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships, or health” (Psychology Today, n.d). Addiction not only affects the individual but also those around them, especially the immediate family.

According to several medical websites and professionals, both of our answers for the first question can be used for a bad habit or addiction. Coming from an addict, recovery is difficult. I am currently attending therapy, but at times, I don't feel like it is working. I'm trying my best to make a healthy change in my life. No one understands that a bad habit or addiction can take over a person's mind instantly. In my case, I didn't care that I was addicted to something, but as soon as I seen someone else with an addiction, I urged them immediately to get help. I care about others more than myself and I know I shouldn't. I believe most people get addicted to something because of childhood trauma. Parents and others don’t understand that

Addiction is a readily understandable symptom that can be overseen, however, is considered a disease to many people when it starts to become harmful to ourselves but that is only because we hadn’t chosen something healthy to be addicted

The definition from the Oxford dictionary describes addiction as a condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or or involved in something. Addiction itself can be defined as unmanageable, compulsive and an act that is carried out even when it threatens their health and wellbeing or the potential harmful social consequences it could pose.

Addiction is all around us. It may be that cup of coffee in the morning for the caffeine stimulation, the cigarette that is smoked for the nicotine, or an alcoholic drink used to relieve a stressful day or situation. For some, the addiction may not be to a substance, but to compulsive behaviors such as gambling, playing video games, or shopping. Consequences to addictions can impact an addict’s physical or mental state. Addiction can also have detrimental impact on the people that surround them. Watching a relationship fall apart because a person has an addiction to drugs, alcohol, or another addictive behavior is a sad thing to happen to anyone. Unfortunately, those with addictions usually won’t admit they even

Addiction is considered as a stigma in today’s society. It is something that I believe that everyone has to deal with. It can be anything from food, gambling, alcohol, shoes, another person etc. Addiction can ruin someone’s life in a split second. Many times when someone is addicted to something or someone it can consume their life, and they will do anything in order to get that “fix”.

Addiction is a persistent, deteriorate brain disease that triggers the center of the brain through neurotransmitters and affects personal behavioral changes. It can become more important than a persons’ need to sleep or eat. People of all ages suffer damaging and traumatic outcomes due to addiction. In order for an addiction to be determined and subjected to someone, the person must meet at least three or more of the based criteria of the American Psychiatric Association and World Health Organization. This can be based on a person’s tolerance, withdrawal, limited control of the substance or addiction, negative consequences because of these actions, neglected or postponed liveliness such as social or work activities, dedicated time or energy

Current definitions of addiction classify it as harmful, morally wrong and even criminal. Although I understand seeing it as immoral, addiction is foremost a question of why do people become addicted to unhealthy substances and habits? I believe addiction is a complex social, emotional and physiological condition that is part of our global culture and our genetics. Politicians and doctors argue that drug users are criminals or are mentally ill. I disagree. Drug users are just reinforcing their evolutionary instincts. Humans have evolved with plants. Humans have adapted to and benefits from the various compounds within them. Specifically, the neurotoxic chemicals that evolved to deter consumption instead trigger the reward center in our brain.

Addiction is a dependence on a substance in which the affected individual feels powerless to stop. Millions of Americans have addictions to drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and even to behaviors such as compulsive gambling and shopping. Recent studies suggest that millions of Americans are addicted to food, as well.

People toss around “addiction” and “addicted” to define several compulsive behaviors. Specialists-- such as psychologists and sociologists-- continue revealing new and different forms of addiction constantly. Addiction is the negative, compulsive need for a substance, or activity that gives the addict a positive feeling despite adverse consequences (Addiction). In addition, the word addict means, to devote oneself, or surrender to an obsessive or habitual habit (Addict). When someone says they are, “addicted” to an activity, or hobby; are they actually addicted?