Addict
Addict
Addict (/əˈdɪkt/; from Latin addictus, past participle of addicere "to assign, award, allot", hence "addicted, devoted") is a term that refers to a person who is dependent on a certain substance, thing, or activity for normal physiological function.
Definition
An addict is an individual who has become physically or psychologically dependent on a substance or behavior, to the point where they continue to use or engage in it despite harmful consequences. This can include substances such as alcohol, nicotine, opioids, or behaviors like gambling or internet use.
Etymology
The term addict originates from the Latin word addictus, which was the past participle of addicere. This verb meant "to assign, award, allot", and by extension, it came to mean "addicted, devoted". The term was first used in English to refer to a person who was "addicted" to a certain task or duty. By the 20th century, it had taken on its modern meaning of a person who is dependent on a substance or activity.
Related Terms
- Addiction: A brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.
- Substance abuse: The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.
- Dependence: An adaptive state associated with a withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of repeated exposure to a stimulus.
- Withdrawal: The group of symptoms that occur upon the abrupt discontinuation or decrease in intake of medications or recreational drugs.
- Rehabilitation: The act of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after addiction, illness, or imprisonment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Addict
- Wikipedia's article - Addict
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