It’s not so simple
A number of people and organizations have formulated definitions for addiction. Some reinforce historical notions about addiction, and others reframe our understanding. Unfortunately, we use the same terms, “addiction” and “addicted,” to describe different phenomena. When we here the world addiction, most of us think about indulgence, seeking something that is pleasurable. But addiction is less about a sensation of pleasure and more about a compulsion that results in negative consequences. Addressing pain — psychological and physical — is often at the root of addiction, not pleasure seeking. While this may seem like a semantic difference, it has a profound impact on the stigma of addiction and our approach to treatment. Self-indulgence is not socially acceptable, but avoiding pain and suffering is universally understood and sanctioned.
Here are a few definitions. I find some are better than others.
The Merriam-Webster American Dictionary’s definition is a popular view of addiction. The object of our addiction is “habit-forming,” and it has inherently harmful physical, psychological, and social effects. We “indulge” our “strong inclination” repeatedly. Implication — we should know better!
A compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence.
A strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine’s definition of addiction centers on a biological understanding of the disorder and that it can be treated and prevented.
Addiction is 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.
Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases.
The American Psychological Association definition is more about substance “abuse” and suggests that compulsive behaviors that don’t involve substances aren’t really addictions (e.g., it’s a misapplication of the word).
Substance abuse is a pattern of compulsive substance use marked by recurrent significant social, occupational, legal, or interpersonal adverse consequences, such as repeated absences from work or school, arrests, and marital difficulties.
Addiction is a state of psychological or physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol or other drugs. The term is often used as an equivalent term for substance dependence and sometimes applied to behavioral disorders, such as sexual, internet, and gambling addictions.
The National Health Service (in the UK) definition is very inclusive. Addictions can form toward anything. It’s about a lack of control.
Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking, or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.
Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol and smoking, but it’s possible to be addicted to just about anything, including:
work – some people are obsessed with their work to the extent that they become physically exhausted; if your relationship, family, and social life are affected, and you never take holidays, you may be addicted to work
internet – as computer and mobile phone use has increased, so too have computer and internet addictions; people may spend hours each day and night surfing the internet or gaming while neglecting other aspects of their lives
shopping – shopping becomes an addiction when you buy things you don’t need or want to achieve a buzz; this is quickly followed by feelings of guilt, shame, or despair