What is addiction?

Dr. Michael Roizen answered:

One of the more serious brain-related disorders that is attributed to chemical malfunctions in the brain is addiction. We become addicted to substances that increase or release certain chemicals in our brain.

Specifically, those certain substances like nicotine release the pleasure chemical dopamine, and your body craves more of it-which leads to a habitual behavior to keep pumping dopamine into your system. Dopamine doesn't cause all addictions, but it may give some insight into the theory that such things as carbohydrates can be addictive. The feel-good chemical released after eating them is what drives the craving for more.

Lack of adequate sleep decreases the release of this feel-good chemical (and hormones as well). Not getting enough sleep may be one of the reasons you can get addicted to many of those aging simple carbohydrates and sugars, as well as the aging fats that are imposters of real food.

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One of the more serious brain-related disorders that is attributed to chemical malfunctions in the brain is addiction. We become addicted to substances that increase or release certain chemicals in our brain. Specifically, those certain substances... More

Dr. Mike Dow answered:

There are 2 physical hallmarks of addiction: tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is needing more and more of a substance or behavior to produce the same results. Withdrawal is the presence of symptoms when you try to take the substance or behavior away. If either one of these are present, addiction is present.

There are also psychological hallmarks of addiction: powerlessness, cravings, compulsivity, and consequences. Addicts report feeling powerless over their drug of choice, and admitting one's powerlessness is one of the key components in 12-step programs. Addicts may feel anything from a minor craving to an uncontrollable compulsivity drawing them to their drug of choice. No matter the addiction, consequences of greater and greater severity are almost always present. This downward spiral is when the addict reports reaching "rock bottom," and hopefully, this state will persuade him or her to seek treatment.

Addictions can be classified into 2 types: substance addictions and process addictions. Substance addictions means that you are ingesting a psychoactive substance such as drugs or alcohol. Process addictions include gambling, love, sex, and shopping. Food has traditionally been considered to be a process addiction, but recent studies suggest that food may actually fall into the substance addiction category.

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There are 2 physical hallmarks of addiction: tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is needing more and more of a substance or behavior to produce the same results. Withdrawal is the presence of symptoms when you try to take the substance or behavior... More

Natural Standard, The Authority on Integrative Medicine answered:

Addiction occurs when an individual becomes physically or psychologically dependent on something, such as alcohol, drugs (legal or illegal), or gambling. Individuals may become addicted to or have compulsive behaviors in regard to almost anything, including sex, food, exercise, shopping/spending money, work, and the Internet. The principles and consequences of addictions are generally the same, even if the particular addiction is different.

Substance abuse (drug addiction): Substance abuse occurs when individuals use drugs (which may or may not be illegal) for recreational purposes. Commonly abused drugs include alcohol, central nervous system stimulants (such as nicotine, caffeine, and methamphetamine), cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Drugs can be taken by mouth, injected into a vein, snorted through the nose, inhaled, or smoked.

When individuals abuse drugs, they are at risk of becoming physically and/or emotionally addicted. Over time, individuals begin to develop a tolerance for the drugs. As a result, they may start to use larger amounts of the drug more frequently. However, individuals can become addicted to substances without abusing them. Drug addictions cause compulsive drug cravings. Severe addictions may cause individuals to seek drugs, even at the expense of their jobs, families, and other important parts of their lives.

Gambling addiction: Gambling addiction, also called compulsive gambling, occurs when individuals are unable to control their gambling behaviors. Some individuals are constantly trying to win back lost money, and they may go to extremes to hide their gambling. Others who compulsively gamble for the thrill and excitement of it, rather than for the actual winnings. Some individuals who are addicted to gambling may go to extreme lengths to perpetuate their addiction when money is scarce. In serious cases, this may include lying, stealing, cheating, or fraud. Patients with gambling problems may develop associated conditions, such as alcohol dependence or drug addictions.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Addiction occurs when an individual becomes physically or psychologically dependent on something, such as alcohol, drugs (legal or illegal), or gambling. Individuals may become addicted to or have compulsive behaviors in regard to almost... More

Dr. Edward Phillips answered:

Loss of control over a substance or behavior and continued craving for it despite negative consequences characterize addiction. Imaging technologies that show the brain responding similarly to different pleasurable experiences have persuaded many experts to consider addiction to be a single disorder with varied expressions.

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Loss of control over a substance or behavior and continued craving for it despite negative consequences characterize addiction. Imaging technologies that show the brain responding similarly to different pleasurable experiences have persuaded... More

Healthwise answered:

Addiction is a strong mental and physical dependence on, most commonly, a drug or other substance. Some substances that can lead to addiction are alcohol, illegal drugs, some prescription medicines, inhalants (such as spray paint), and nicotine.

A person with an addiction usually has three or more of the following signs and symptoms:

Needing more and more of the drug or substance to have the same effect, or getting less effect from the same amount of the drug or substance over time (tolerance).
Being unable to stop using the drug or substance without having uncomfortable symptoms (withdrawal symptoms).
Taking the drug or substance in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than was intended.
Being unable to cut down or control use of the drug or substance or having the persistent desire to do so.
Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug or substance.
Not being able to meet obligations to family, job, or other activities because of drug or substance use.
Continuing to use the drug or substance even though it is physically or psychologically harming the person.

Most people with addictions also have strong cravings for the drug or substance.

The tendency to have addiction problems can be passed from parents to their children (inherited). This tendency often is accompanied by mental health problems, such as depression.