Addiction

WHAT IS AN ADDICTION?

Addiction is a state which the person cannot avoid the continuous use of a particular thing. In that stage the person will be fully dependent on it.

The meaning of addiction is, it is a condition characterized by compulsive substance intake, craving and seeking for it and negative consequences associated with the substance use.  As it is a chronic disorder, people who are addicted cannot control their need for alcohol or other drugs, even in the face of negative health, social or legal consequences.

Drug addiction has two components: (a) physical dependency (b) psychological dependency. Physical dependency occurs when a drug has been used habitually and the body has become accustomed to its effects.  Psychological dependency occurs when a drug has been used habitually and the mind has become emotionally reliant to its effects, either to elicit pleasure or relieve pain, and does not feel capable of functioning without it. The addictive nature of drugs varies from substance to substance and individual to individual.