Dependency

Addictions is a medical condition, despite adverse consequences, where people compulsively engage in the rewarding stimuli.

Despite the involvement of a number of psychosocial factors, a biological process – one which is induced by repeated exposure to an addictive stimulus – is the core pathology that drives the development and maintenance of an addiction.

Firstly, Addiction exacts a high toll on individuals. It affects the society as a whole through the direct adverse effects of drugs. It has associated healthcare costs, long-term complications (e.g., lung cancer with smoking tobacco, liver cirrhosis with drinking alcohol). Classic symptoms of addiction include impaired control over substances or behaviour, preoccupation with substance or behaviour, and continued use despite consequences.