addiction

noun

1. the state of being enslaved 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.

noun

1. the condition of being abnormally dependent on some habit, esp compulsive dependency on narcotic drugs

n.

c.1600, “tendency,” of habits, pursuits, etc.; 1640s as “state of being self-addicted,” from Latin addictionem (nominative addictio) “an awarding, a devoting,” noun of action from past participle stem of addicere (see addict). Earliest sense was less severe: “inclination, penchant,” but this has become obsolete. In main modern sense it is first attested 1906, in reference to opium (there is an isolated instance from 1779, with reference to tobacco).

n.

1. Habitual psychological or physiological dependence on a substance or practice beyond one’s voluntary control.

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. See more at withdrawal.
2. A habitual or compulsive involvement in an activity, such as gambling.