Official Definition of Addiction

According to the American Psychiatric Association, a pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:

(1) Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
        a. A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect
        b. Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance
(2) Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
        a. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
        b. The same (or a closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
(3) The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
(4) There is a persistent desire or effort to cut down or control substance use
(5) A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance and to use the substance, or recover from its effects
(6) Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use
(7) The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance.

Signs of Addiction

1. Failure to stop substance
2. Lying about usage
3. Stealing
4. Decreased attention to personal hygiene
5. Deteriorating family and friendly relationships
6. Disturbances in the sleep cycle
7. Seclusive behavior and seeking self-isolation
8. Involvement on the wrong side of the law

Causes of Addiction

According to Philip J. Flores in his book "Addiction as an Attachment Disorder," interpersonal relations cause individuals to become dependent on addictive substances. Humans are driven by need for human attachment and comfort driven by our inherent need for pleasure and gratification. When individuals are unable to establish these interpersonal relationships, they turn to substances and eventually become addicted. Addiction may cause psychiatric symptoms, while psychiatric symptoms may mimic addiction. Patients with mental disorders have an increased risk for substance abuse, and patients with substance abuse disorders have an increased risk for mental disorders.

High self-esteem correlated to nurture and good parenting decreases the risk of addictive behavior. People with low self-esteem are more susceptible to addictive disorders. Though low-self esteem may trigger addiction, narcisissm may also lead to substance addiction.

A typical addicted individual will show attachment, conflict, unrestraint, and lack of self-control towards the substance. In "Excessive Appetites: a Psychological View of Addictions," Orford refers to addiction as "the apparent loss of control over a form of activity which, for most people, serves as a pleasurable and moderate indulgence." This cause of addiction Orford tries to explain an addiction as an excessive appetite, constant cravings for more of the substance.