The Medical Dictionary defines addiction as “a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behaviour or substance.” While addiction is commonly associated with alcohol and drugs, it can extend to include an obsession towards even ostensibly healthy activities like sex. Addiction causes the person to repeatedly consume the stimulant or engage in the addictive behaviour, to the point of partially or entirely overlooking all other significant aspects of life. Typically, addiction begins with occasional binging periods and escalates into an overpowering dependency on the substance or behaviour. While the manifestation of addiction may differ for every individual, some common symptoms of addiction include:
Increased irritability and mood swings
Inability to form or sustain meaningful relationships
Resorting to destructive or illegal means to procure the addictive substance
A denial or rationalisation of the existing problem
Paranoia and hallucinations stemming from addictive behaviour.