For a long time, addiction meant an uncontrollable habit of using alcohol or otherdrugs.

Rather than using the term “addiction,” the DSM-5 classifies substance use disorders.

These symptoms can result in impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and tolerance/withdrawal.

Support group consoling and encouraging a woman during session

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More research is needed to clarify this issue.

Dependence

It is important to distinguish between dependence and addiction.

Addiction shows up when people continue to compulsively use a drug despite harmful consequences.

Diagnosis

Addiction diagnosis usually requires recognizing that there is a problem and seeking help.

The exact diagnosis a person receives will depend on the nature of their addiction.

This is so common, in fact, that it has a name, the pre-contemplation stage.

Many people then decide to make changes.

For some people, this is easy and manageable.

Causes

Substances and behaviors can create a physical and psychological high.

Some of the factors that can contribute to addiction include:

Addictions take time to develop.

Treatment

Addiction is treatable, but not all routes to recovery are the same.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

People with addictions often carry stigma about their behavior, leading to shame and fear of seeking help.

In the meantime, we hope that educating yourself will help on your journey to wellness.

American Society of Addiction Medicine.Definition of addiction.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Is there a difference between physical dependence and addiction?.

Cleveland Clinic.Addictions: An overview.

Ducci F, Goldman D.The genetic basis of addictive disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am.

2015;5(4):477495.

Published 2015 Oct 30. doi:10.3390/bs5040477