Addiction is a term that has been used in different ways but needs to be defined carefully. Addiction is the continual repetition of a normally non-problematical behavior to self-destructive excess. It is a

compulsive, or habitual and chronic pattern of behavior that clearly specifies a loss of control over a substance or behavior. This definition leaves room for a broad range of behaviors including but not limited to: alcohol, drug, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, and food addictions, “love” addiction, sex addiction, religious addiction, work addiction, compulsive exercise, television addiction, overeating, bulimia and compulsive gambling. 

Loss of control occurs, not only in the amount of substance or behavior that is used, but in most areas of one’s life. In fact, a person’s whole life becomes the substance or behavior that is the object of the addiction, obtaining it or engaging in it. The individual becomes preoccupied with the object of the addiction. This happens even when the addiction becomes harmful.

 Unfortunately, the term ‘addiction’ has gained considerable stigma because of judgmental attitudes. Other clinical diagnoses, such as Substance Abuse and Substance Dependence are used widely in medical and professional settings. Substance Abuse refers to the use of a substance or behavior outside accepted standards. The hallmark of Substance Abuse is the continued and habitual use of a substance or behavior even after encountering consequences such as a DUI, or confrontations from family members or employers.

Substance Dependence is defined as an increased level of Substance Abuse that includes: 1) “tolerance”, or the need for increased amounts of the substance or behavior in order to achieve the desired effect, and; 2) either the presence of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use, or increased use in order to avoid symptoms of withdrawal.

Results of recent medical research have illustrated connections between brain chemicals and addiction and genetics and addiction (the “disease model”). Other researchers and theorists believe addiction to be learned behavior independent of our hard- wired biology (the “social learning theory” model). Treatment is commonly based on one of these two theories.

 Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Marijuana Anonymous (MA), Overeater’s Anonymous (OA), Gambler’s Anonymous (GA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), other 12- step groups, and most rehabilitation treatment programs are based on the “disease model”. Other treatment programs such as Practical Recovery, Smart Recovery, Women for Sobriety, Save Ourselves (SOS), Lifering, Rational Recovery, the Pennsylvania Model, and YES Recovery are based on

either theory or both. (See the bottom of the page for more information on these programs.)

 Further Reading:

 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services (2001) Alcoholics Anonymous (The Big Book).

 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (1991). The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions

 Carnes, Patrick (1989). A Gentle Path Through the Twelve Steps

 Solomon, Melanie (2005). AA Not the Only Way

 Horvath, Tom (1998). Sex, Drugs, Gambling, and Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions

Trimpey, Jack; Rational Recovery Systems (1996). Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction

Carnes, Patrick (2001). Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction

Ruden, Ronald; Byalick, Marcia (200). The Craving Brain: A bold new approach to breaking free from *drug addiction *overeating *alcoholism

Kasl, Charlotte (1990). Women, Sex, and Addiction: A Search for Love and Power