Addiction Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
addiction
[ษหdษชkส(ษ)n ]
Definitions
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.
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 thatโs 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.