Addiction : Simple definition, signs, and treatments

This article was written by Margaux Damain, writer and podcaster specialized in mental health and scientific popularization.

Are you wondering if you have an addiction? Or perhaps you are worried about a loved one who seems unable to resist a repeated urge to consume or do something?

Addiction is not just a matter of willpower. It is a loss of control in the face of an irrepressible need, even when one is aware of the harmful effects on their life.

In this article, you will find simple information to understand what an addiction really is, recognize the 11 signs that should alert you, and above all: concrete advice to move toward healing or to help an addicted loved one.

How to define addiction?

An addiction is the irrepressible urge (which one cannot resist) and repeated urge to consume or do something that provides pleasure.

Stated like that, where is the problem?

The problem lies in the fact that one cannot resist this urge, and it repeats even though:

• One is aware of the harmful effects of this addiction on mental and physical health.
• The addiction has negative impacts on professional, academic, family, and/or social life.
• The urge is still there despite efforts to reduce or even stop the consumption or practice.
  
  

In other words, addiction is this repeated urge that is out of control!

What are the signs of addiction?

Here are the 11 criteria that indicate an addiction is present:

1. An irrepressible need to consume or do something (playing video games or working, for example).
2. A loss of control over the quantity ingested or the time spent dedicated to the addictive practice.
3. A lot of time devoted to seeking the addictive substance or practicing.
4. An increase in the “tolerance window”: it always takes more to provide the same amount of pleasure.
5. Physical and psychological symptoms when the person reduces or stops their consumption or practice: this is withdrawal syndrome (nausea, headaches, sweating, anxiety, irritability, insomnia…).
6. An inability to fulfill important obligations.
7. Consumption or practice, even when there is a physical risk.
8. Persistent or recurrent personal and/or social problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the addictive substance or practice.
9. A persistent desire or efforts to reduce the dose or the practice.
10. Activities reduced in favor of consumption or practice.
11. Continued consumption or practice despite physical or mental damage.

These signs of addiction are listed in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

This medical manual also indicates the intensity of the addiction based on the number of criteria present in the person concerned:

• 2 to 3 criteria: mild addiction
• 4 to 5: moderate addiction
• 6 or more: severe addiction

👉 Even a “mild” addiction must be taken seriously. Regardless of its intensity, an addiction is often difficult to get rid of without the help of a doctor and/or a therapist. For advice on how to treat an addiction or how to help an addicted loved one, go toward the end of the article.

What are the two types of addictions?

There are two main types of addictions:

• Substance addictions
• Behavioral addictions (without substances)

Here is a non-exhaustive list of different substance addictions (some may surprise you!):

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Electronic cigarettes
• Drugs
• Medication
• Sugar
• Food (certain eating disorders like bulimia)

Regarding behavioral addictions:

• Gambling and games of chance
• Video games
• Sexuality
• Pornography
• Work
• Shopping (oniomania)
• Sport
• Internet / Social media

What are the causes of addiction?

There are several causes, and they often overlap. In other words, it is rarely a single cause that explains addiction. There are causes specific to the individual, others linked to their environment, and finally, causes related to the substance or practice itself.

Let’s review them point by point.

Individual-related causes

Some people are more likely to have one or more addictions. This can be explained by their genes (we speak of genetic vulnerability to addiction), by a psychological fragility (poor self-esteem, anxiety…), or even mental disorders (ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.).

Environment-related causes

The environment in which a person evolves can also influence their addictive consumption or practice. For example, if the family or social context is difficult, or if the addictive product is available and easily accessible (a teenager whose friends smoke cannabis, a family where a lot of alcohol is consumed, relatives who use heavily and trivialize drugs in party contexts…).

Substance or practice-related causes

Some products are deemed more addictive than others. I say “deemed” because it seems that researchers do not agree among themselves when it comes to classifying substances according to their addictive power… However, an article from Ouest-France listed the 5 most addictive products according to a panel of experts: heroin, cocaine, nicotine (tobacco), barbiturates (old sleeping pills), and alcohol are part of the list.

What treatments for treating an addiction?

Treatment to cure an addiction may consist of:

• Taking medication (and its follow-up by a doctor)
• Psychological support
• Social support (via a support group, for example)

Note that several elements are very often necessary to treat one or more addictions sustainably: for example, taking medication as well as psychological follow-up.

To understand all this, it is important that you know how an addiction sets in.

Mini-zoom on how an addiction develops

When a person consumes alcohol or plays video games, for example, it provides them with pleasure. Specifically, hormones like dopamine and serotonin are released in the brain. This is what gives them well-being and pleasure. Since the brain has received a great “hormonal cocktail,” the person will repeat the action that triggered it all.

But as the person repeats the action, dopamine levels decrease. The person has entered a phase where they always need to consume or practice more to feel the same level of pleasure. Basically, their body and brain are less sensitive to the effects of the product or practice, and they must increase the doses!

The final phase of addiction development consists of a loss of control. The brain is completely disrupted, and the person has less and less capacity to self-regulate: the product or practice becomes irresistible…

Back to the point

Since it is a chemical mess in the brain, there are medications that help regulate the person for certain addictions.

In any case, if you have an addiction or know someone who is addicted, the first step is to consult a trusted doctor (general practitioner or an addictologist). I say “trusted doctor” so that 1) the person feels as comfortable as possible talking about their addiction; 2) and that they feel heard… There are great doctors, but also sometimes hurried and judgmental ones (they are imperfect human beings like all of us!).

Beyond drug treatment, psychological support is very often necessary to avoid relapse. Why? Behind an addiction, there are often psychological and emotional difficulties (low self-esteem, difficult family/social context, traumas, etc.). Consulting a therapist means giving oneself the means to understand the causes of an addiction and finding solutions to feel better. Note that for behavioral addictions, psychological support is the only way out (notably CBT, cognitive-behavioral therapies).

Finally, social support can be beneficial via a support group. Sharing experiences can allow for the development and strengthening of addiction management strategies. The support provided by the group can also help relieve the malaise (feelings of shame, guilt…) that sometimes accompanies addiction: you are no longer alone in this!

How to help an addicted loved one?

I am not going to give a miracle recipe, but advice to guide you. Feel free to use this or that tip depending on its relevance to the context in which your loved one evolves.

Tip 1

Approaching the subject head-on with your loved one is a delicate exercise: he or she may get defensive, be in denial, react violently… Despite this, discussion can lead to awareness. Here is some advice for the exchange to go as well as possible for both of you:

• Approach the subject by focusing on the impact of the addiction on your relationship and/or on you, rather than on the addiction itself: how is their addiction problematic for the bond that unites you? Talk about the emotions it generates in you. The idea is not to judge the other or make them feel guilty (that could make them spiral or get defensive!) but to make them aware that the addiction also has an impact on you.
• Ask questions and listen carefully. Listen to understand. Do not listen just to answer. The more you listen, the more “clues” you will have to guide this person. For example, if they end up admitting that the addiction helps relieve their emotions, perhaps you can suggest seeing a doctor or a therapist to help regulate their emotions in a way other than using the addictive product or practice.
• Finally, if despite your attempts at dialogue, it leads to nothing or the person reacts too poorly and won’t listen, do not insist. And read the following tips.

Tip 2

Talk about it to trusted loved ones, and notably the loved ones of your loved one (their circle!). It’s a bit like forming a network of allies: they can give you interesting advice and talk to your addicted loved one themselves. The fact that several people alert your loved one to their addiction can help them realize the problem and encourage them to seek treatment.

Tip 3

You can also ask your doctor or therapist for advice if you consult one: how would he or she go about helping your loved one?

Tip 4

Finally, protect yourself. If this addiction has repercussions that are too heavy on you (emotional, relational, psychological, physical impact…), take care of yourself. This sometimes involves distancing yourself from this person. Beware of the savior complex: do not try to save the other at all costs. At best, you can inspire the other to take care of themselves. In all cases, pay attention to the impact of this relationship and the addictive behavior on you. If necessary, do not remain alone: talk about it to loved ones, your therapist, your GP, your trusted neighbor…

About the Author and Project

This article was written by Margaux Damain, founder of Sous le tapis and a writer specialized in mental health. Margaux relies on scientific studies (systematic reviews and meta-analyses) as well as works by psychiatrists and psychologists to make knowledge about psychological well-being accessible. She transforms expert research into content tailored for the general public. Her goal? To democratize mental health and encourage everyone to practice self-care.

About this article:

This article was written in the context of the Erasmus+ KA210- YOU small-scale partnership project “comPASSION is sexy” (Project Code: 2024- 3- FR02- KA210-YOU-000295806), co-funded by the European Union. The project is a collaboration between Les Philentropes (France) and Olotites (Greece), focused on compassion-based approaches to youth empowerment, inclusion, well-being and mental health awareness.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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