Essay On Addiction

Definition of Addiction

The dictionary definition of addiction is, "the quality or state of being addicted," or "compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (such as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly: persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful."

Addiction can be caused by a multitude of things, especially first liking, to wanting, to constantly needing that rush of pleasure and rewarding feeling to the brain; basically, a habit turned rogue. Addiction exerts a powerful influence on the brain that manifests through three different ways: the craving for an object of addiction, loss of control over its use, and

Habit is a behavior pattern developed by a frequent repetition of the act over and over to the point the brain does it automatically. An addiction is a compulsive need for a certain thing or substance to the body, which when deprived can cause horrible effects. A habit can be controlled or modified, while an addiction cannot be controlled and requires professional help for modification. There exists a fine line between habit and addiction, and if crossed a habit can easily turn into an addiction. According to Merriam Webster dictionary, a habit is defined as, "a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance; an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary." Habits are made from the constant repetition to the point where a person doesn't even realize that they are doing it, for example: biting nails, tapping their feet, etc. The continuous act becomes imbedded in the brain after prolonged repetition and automatically sends signals to the body to perform that act. Addiction is defined and restated here as, "the quality or state of being addicted," or "compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (such as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly: persistent compulsive use of a