# addiction

/əˈdɪkʃən/ (US) · /ɐdˈɪkʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/addiction
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. medical dependency

noun · CEFR B2

a physical or mental need to use a drug or substance that you cannot easily stop.

For teachers: a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

- He went to a clinic to get help with his addiction to alcohol.
- The patient's addiction to prescription painkillers required a comprehensive treatment plan involving both detoxification and long-term psychological support.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'to'.

### 2. compulsive behavior

noun · CEFR B2

a strong habit of doing an activity too much, like playing video games or shopping.

For teachers: a psychological compulsion to engage in rewarding non-substance-related behaviours.

- Her addiction to social media was starting to affect her performance at work.
- Researchers are increasingly studying the neurological similarities between gambling addiction and chemical dependency.

Usage: Commonly followed by 'to' plus a noun or gerund.

## Examples

- He is getting professional help to overcome his addiction to gambling.
- The clinic offers support groups for people struggling with addiction, helping them rebuild their lives without relying on alcohol or drugs.
- Modern neuroscience views addiction not merely as a failure of willpower, but as a complex disorder that fundamentally alters the brain's reward pathways and impulse control.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.