Addiction Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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addiction

[ษ™หˆdษชkสƒ(ษ™)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mental health

The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.

Synonyms

craving, dependency, obsession.

Examples of usage

  • He has a long history of addiction to alcohol.
  • Addiction to social media can have negative effects on mental health.
  • Many people struggle with addiction to drugs and need help to overcome it.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.

Synonyms

compulsion, substance dependence.

Examples of usage

  • Drug addiction is a serious medical condition that requires treatment.
  • The neurobiology of addiction involves changes in brain circuitry.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Addiction can affect brain chemistry, where certain activities or substances release dopamine, reinforcing the behavior.
  • Research shows that genetics can play a significant role in an individual's likelihood of developing an addiction, with about 40-60% of susceptibility attributed to hereditary factors.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often depict addiction struggles, with characters overcoming challenges, which helps raise awareness.
  • The 'Just Say No' campaign in the 1980s became an iconic part of pop culture, promoting resistance against drugs and addiction.

Science

  • Studies have shown that behavioral addictions, like gambling or gaming, activate similar brain pathways as substance use disorders.
  • Neuroscientists explore how certain brain circuits can be hijacked by compulsive behaviors, leading to a cycle thatโ€™s difficult to break.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore the theme of addiction, showing the struggles of characters in classics such as 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath.
  • Poetry often reflects the emotional turmoil of addiction, with poets like Charles Bukowski highlighting the raw realities of dependence.

Origin of 'addiction'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'addictus', meaning 'to give over' or 'to devote oneself'.
  • Originally, 'addiction' referred to a legal obligation or servitude, not the modern meaning related to substances or behaviors.

The word 'addiction' originated from the Latin word 'addictio', which meant a formal giving over; the surrender of property or a person. In the context of addiction to substances or activities, the term gained prominence in the 20th century with the rise of substance abuse issues. Today, addiction is recognized as a complex brain disorder with psychological, social, and environmental factors influencing its development and treatment.


See also: addicted, addictive.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,633 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.