Addiction

Addiction refers to compulsively engaging in a behavior, such as drug use, usually despite deleterious consequences. The American Psychiatric Association lists two related diagnoses: substance dependence and substance abuse. To meet criteria for a diagnosis of substance dependence, at least three of the following symptoms must occur in the same 1-year period: (a) tolerance (larger doses of the substance are needed to produce the same effect), (b) withdrawal during periods of non-use, (c) using the substance more frequently or for longer periods than intended, (d) long-standing desire or unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce use, (e) considerable time spent using the substance, making efforts to acquire the substance, and or recovering from its effects, (f) important activities are reduced or given up due to substance use, and (g) continued use despite related negative physical or psychological effects. A substance abuse diagnosis is given when one or more of the following symptoms occurs during a 1-year period: (a) substance use leads to failure to fulfill important responsibilities, (b) substance use in situations where it is dangerous, (c) chronic legal problems stemming from substance use, or (d) using despite related relationship problems

More recently the definition has been expanded to include almost any type of compulsive and potentially self-destructive activity.

Examples of addictive drugs include: Heroin, cocaine, alcohol and nicotine.

Examples of addictive behaviors include: work - work addiction, using the internet - internet addiction, excessive interest in sex - sex addiction.