An addiction is a state of being so dependent on something that it is difficult or impossible to do without it for any significant period. It is possible to become addicted to anything, but whatever the addiction is, the person cannot control it. Some symptoms are specific to the addictive substance or activity, but there are general features that occur in all addictions.
These include the development of tolerance—the need for increasing amounts to produce the desired effect; unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms when the substance or activity is stopped; and continuing to use the substance or engage in the activity even though it may be detrimental.
Treatment of addictions depends on the specific substance or activity involved. In general, however, it may include support from family, friends, and self-help groups while reducing use of the substance or the activity, and psychotherapy.
Medication may also sometimes be prescribed—for example, to reduce withdrawal symptoms in drug or alcohol addiction. In some cases, treatment in a specialist rehabilitation center may be recommended.

Othere related diseases

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
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PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Personality disorders are conditions in which rigid, dysfunctional patterns of thought and behavior cause persistent problems relating to others and fitting in ...

PHOBIAS
A phobia is a persistent, overwhelming fear of a particular object, animal, activity, or situation. Exposure to the object of the phobia leads to intense anxiet...

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS
DISORDER Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a form of anxiety that develops after a very distressing, frightening, or stressful event, such as a natural d...

PSYCHOSIS
Psychosis is a mental problem in which a person’s thoughts are so disturbed that he or she loses touch with reality. The main features are hallucinations, suc...

SCHIZOPHRENIA
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder in which there are distortions in thinking and perceptions of reality, disturbed emotions, and changes in beha...

STRESS
Stress is a general term for the physical and psychological symptoms people experience when they feel overwhelmed. In stressful situations, levels of the hormon...

SUBSTANCE MISUSE
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