Addiction - What Is Addiction?

Definition:

1. An addiction is an unhealthy dependence on a substance such as alcohol or drugs. Addiction to a substance may have a biological or psychological basis, or both.
2. Compulsive behaviors can also become addictions as in gambling addictions.

Addictions can be physically, socially, and financially devastating and usually require professional intervention to correct the problem. Signs of possible addiction may include:

• Changes in a person's usual behaviors;
• Avoiding activities to make time for the addiction;
• Changes in personality;
• Socializing with others who may also addicted;
• Financial problems;
• Extreme weight loss or gain;
• Engaging in behavior that is dangerous, irresponsible, and an extreme change from the person's previous behaviors;
• Health problems;
• Inability to work, chronic absenteeism;
• Lying to cover up use and hiding addiction related items; and
• Frequent absences with excuses for not being where the person is expected to be.

Also Known As: substance abuse, drug addiction, gambling addiction, food addictions, behavioral addictions, and alcoholism.