addiction

[uh-dik-shuhn]

noun

1. the state of being compulsively committed to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

addiction

1. A physical or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, such as a drug or alcohol. In physical addiction, the body adapts to the substance being used and gradually requires increased amounts to reproduce the effects originally produced by smaller doses.

2. See more at withdrawal

3. A habitual or compulsive involvement in an activity, such as gambling.

Sensitive Note

See addict.

Other Word Forms

• overaddiction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of addiction¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin addictiōn- (stem of addictiō ) “a giving over, surrender”; addict, -ion

Example Sentences

“AB 1103 will accelerate the research needed to transform care, not just for veterans but for all Californians affected by trauma, addiction, and depression.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Indulgence came at the usual price: addiction and a bitter harvest of regrets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In the years that followed he struggled with addiction, suffered medical issues and ran into trouble with the law.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

However, I also see the medical side of an addiction.

Read more on BBC

As an addiction psychiatrist and researcher with experience in treating eating disorders and obesity, I have been following the research in this field for the past few decades.

Read more on Salon