The Medical Definition of Addiction

The Medical Definition of Addiction

An addiction is any behavior that meets at least three of the seven criteria during the same 12-month period.

Tolerance. Has your use of drugs or alcohol increased over time?
Withdrawal. When you stop using, do you experience at least one of the following symptoms: irritability, anxiety, shakes, sweats, nausea, or vomiting?
Difficulty controlling your use. Do you sometimes use more or for a longer time than you'd like? Do you drink to get drunk?
Negative consequences. Have you continued to use even though there have been negative consequences to your mood, self-esteem, health, job, or family?
Significant time or emotional energy spent. Do you spend a significant amount of time or thought obtaining, using, concealing, planning, or recovering from your use?
Put off or neglected activities. Have you given up or reduced social, recreational, work, or household activities because of your use?
Desire to cut down. Have you repeatedly thought about cutting down or controlling your use, or have you made unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control your use?