Definition

1. Noun:
   • A compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance: A state characterized by an overwhelming desire to repeatedly use a substance, such as a drug or alcohol, despite harmful consequences. This involves tolerance and dependence.
   • A strong and harmful need to regularly have something or do something: A condition of being abnormally dependent on or devoted to a particular activity, thing, or behavior.

Usage

• The word "addiction" is primarily used as a non-count noun to describe the general condition (e.g., "struggle with addiction"). It is also used as a count noun when referring to a specific instance or type (e.g., "a gambling addiction").
• It often follows prepositions like "to" (addiction to something).

Examples

• Noun:
  • He sought help for his addiction to opioids.
  • The clinic specializes in treating drug addiction.
  • Her addiction to social media was affecting her sleep.

Advanced Usage

• "process addiction" or "behavioral addiction": Refers to a compulsion to continually engage in a specific behavior (e.g., gambling, shopping) despite negative consequences.
  • Gambling is recognized as a behavioral addiction.
• Historical/Legal Usage: In Roman law, "addiction" referred to the formal surrender of a debtor to a creditor. This usage is now obsolete.
  • Under ancient Roman law, addiction could result in slavery.

Variants and Related Words

• Addict (n): A person who is addicted to something.
  • He is a recovering addict.
• Addictive (adj): Causing or characterized by addiction.
  • Nicotine is highly addictive.
• Addicted (adj): Physically or mentally dependent on a particular substance or activity.
  • She is addicted to caffeine.

Synonyms

• Dependence: The state of relying on something, especially a drug.
• Compulsion: An irresistible urge to behave in a certain way.
• Habituation: The condition of being accustomed to something.

Antonyms

• Abstinence: The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something.
• Sobriety: The state of not being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "kicking an addiction": The process of trying to stop being addicted.
  • Kicking a nicotine addiction is very difficult.
• "addiction recovery": The process of overcoming an addiction.
  • The center provides support for addiction recovery.

Noun

1. (Roman law) a formal award by a magistrate of a thing or person to another person (as the award of a debtor to his creditor); a surrender to a master
   • under Roman law addiction was the justification for slavery
2. an abnormally strong craving
3. being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)