Addiction – Scott Elam from ATS The Bridge – May 19, 2019

The term addictionTrusted Source does not only refer to dependence on substances such as heroin or cocaine. Some addictions also involve an inability to stop partaking in activities such as gambling, eating, or working.

Addiction is a chronic condition that can also result from taking medications. In fact, the misuse of opioids — particularly illicitly made fentanyl — caused nearly 50,000 deathsTrusted Source in the United States in 2019 alone.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as “a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.”

Many people, but not all, start using a drug or first engage in an activity voluntarily. However, addiction can take over and reduce self-control to search for substance abuse help.

There is substance addiction and non-substance addiction. Some examples of non-substance addiction include:

gambling
food
internet
gaming
cell phone
sex
Someone with addiction will continue to misuse the substance or activity in spite of the harmful effects it has.