addiction :

addiction is a dependence disorder where the use of a substance ( or behaviour ) is more important than other behaviours, becomes uncontrollable and starts to interfere with normal life.

symptoms of addiction according to the ICD-10:

withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped

tolerance

difficulty controlling behaviour

preoccupation with substance use

a strong desire to take the substance/engage in the behaviour

continues use regardless of health implications

features of addiction

incidence of addiction

15 million people use injection drugs

more than a billion people smoke

6% of the world's population have an internet addiction

240 million people around the world are dependent on alcohol

video game addiction and gambling addictions are now clinically recognised.

sources of addiction are becoming cheaper to access which may explain why the prevalence rates are rising.

vthe definition of addiction has changed, it now includes behavioural addictions as well.

keywords

physical dependence

withdrawal

tolerance

psychological dependence

physical need for the drug because the body has adapted to the high amounts of certain chemicals and cannot operate without them.

is the term for miserable symptoms that are experienced when someone stops using a substance on which they have become psychologically or physically dependent.

refers to the need to take a drug not for physical reasons but for psychological reasons, such as support and feeling calmer.

results in more and more of the substance being needed for it to have the same effect. It refers to the way the body continues to adapt to a substance.