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addiction

uh-DIK-shun /əˈdɪkʃən/

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A chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

More than just a bad habit, addiction involves changes in brain function that make it difficult to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior.

The story behind the word. Our word 'addiction' comes from the Latin addicere, meaning 'to award, yield, devote.' In Roman law, an addictus was a person who was legally 'adjudged' or 'bound over' to another, often as a debtor or a slave. Over time, this sense of being 'bound to' something evolved, and by the 18th century, it was used to describe being devoted to a habit, eventually taking on its modern, more negative connotation of compulsive substance use.

Word relationships

dependency: Often used interchangeably, but 'dependency' can refer specifically to physical reliance, while 'addiction' encompasses the compulsive behavior and brain changes.
habituation: A less severe form of psychological dependence, often without the intense compulsive element or severe withdrawal.

abstinence: The practice of refraining from something, often associated with recovery from addiction.
sobriety: The state of being sober, especially from alcohol, often implying a sustained recovery.

Commonly confused with

habit: A habit is a routine behavior; addiction is a disease involving compulsive use despite harm, with brain changes and often physical dependency.

Word family

addict (noun): A person suffering from addiction.
addict (verb): To cause (someone) to become addicted.
addictive (adjective): Causing or tending to cause addiction.

Collocations

drug addiction
gambling addiction
internet addiction
opioid addiction
behavioral addiction
recover from addiction
struggle with addiction

Example sentences

"The medical community now widely recognizes addiction as a complex brain disease, not merely a failure of willpower." Discussing the nature of substance use disorders.
"Opioid addiction has become a public health crisis, devastating communities across the nation." Reporting on public health challenges.

Memory hook

Think of being 'AD-DICTED' as being 'AD-judged' or 'DICTATED' by a substance, losing your free will. AD-DICTATED

When not to use

Avoid using 'addiction' lightly for minor habits (e.g., 'I have an addiction to chocolate') if you want to maintain its clinical weight. Use 'strong preference' or 'craving' instead.

Fun facts

The term 'addiction' was originally neutral, referring to any strong devotion or habit, good or bad.
The concept of addiction as a disease, rather than a moral failing, gained significant traction in the 20th century.

Related words

dependency, compulsive

Explore more words

compulsive, chronic, recidivism, habitual, neuroplasticity, neurodivergent