Addiction
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"Addiction is the physical and mental state of dependence on a substance or stimulus, to the point where withdrawal symptoms occur whenever the substance is not present in the body." [1]
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive behavior even in the presence of harmful consequences. The term addiction can be used in many ways, by some it is used indicate only a neurological dependence on particular chemicals such as drugs. Addiction can also be described as dependence on various behaviors. It is only fairly recently that addiction has been studied scientifically [2]. Addiction is a very powerful motivator that will often lead people to take actions despite harmful consequences.
Disease model
Addiction is a disease. Progressive and incurable. Diagnosis is difficult and treatment limited.