Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Addiction disorders refer to a set of chronic and compulsive conditions characterized by the excessive use or dependence on substances (such as drugs or alcohol) or engaging in certain behaviors (such as gambling), despite negative consequences.
Related terms
Withdrawal Symptoms: These are physical and psychological symptoms that occur when an addicted individual abruptly stops using a substance or engaging in addictive behavior.