Posts Tagged ‘physical withdrawal symptoms’
Heroin Addiction: Does the Phrase ‘Gambling Addiction’ Bear Any Relationship to the Word ‘addiction’?
Question by Jack P: Does the phrase ‘gambling addiction’ bear any relationship to the word ‘addiction’?
Traditionally the difference between an addiction, as opposed to mere self-destructive behavior and habits involved physical dependency reflected in physical withdrawal symptoms:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction
“addiction
“Main Entry: ad·dic·tion
“Pronunciation: \?-‘dik-sh?n, a-\
“Function: noun
“Date: 1599
“1 : the quality or state of being addicted
“2 : compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction
“An addiction is a persistent behavioral pattern marked by physical and/or psychological dependency[1] and tolerance[2] that causes significant disruption and negatively impacts the quality of life of an organism.[citation needed]