addiction
harmful dependence on substances or behaviors
A serious problem where someone cannot stop using a drug, drinking alcohol, or doing an activity, even when it hurts their life and health.
[someone]'s addiction to [substance/activity]
- He sought help for his long-term addiction to painkillers.
- Her addiction to alcohol cost her both her job and her marriage.
- Many countries are struggling to respond to rising levels of opioid addiction.
- After years of gambling addiction, he finally entered a treatment program.
- Social media addiction is becoming a major concern among teenagers.
- He has an addiction to alcohol and drinks every day.
- Her addiction to online games is hurting her school work.
- The clinic helps people who have a drug addiction.
- After ten years of addiction, she decided to get help.
- His family is worried about his addiction to gambling.
very strong liking, often humorous
A very strong love for or interest in something, said in a light or joking way, not usually meaning a real health problem.
[someone]'s [thing/activity] addiction
- My coffee addiction is out of control; I drink five cups a day.
- She joked about her addiction to crime shows on TV.
- His smartphone addiction means he checks his messages every few minutes.
- I have a serious chocolate addiction during exam time.
- Her newest addiction is a cooking channel she watches every night.
- I have an addiction to sweet drinks.
- He laughs about his addiction to video games.
- Her phone addiction makes her check it all the time.
- My brother says he has an addiction to fast food.
- They joke about their addiction to that TV show.
- Base: addiction
- Plural: addiction, addictions
addiction counseling
1counseling for addiction problems
Meetings with a trained person who talks with someone about their addiction and helps them change.
- He attends weekly addiction counseling sessions.
- The clinic offers free addiction counseling for young adults.
addiction recovery
1process of healing from addiction
The long process of healing and building a new life after having an addiction.
- Support groups can play a key role in addiction recovery.
- Her podcast focuses on stories of addiction recovery and hope.
addiction treatment
1professional help for addiction
Medical or professional help that tries to stop a person's addiction and improve their life.
- The government is expanding access to addiction treatment in rural areas.
- She checked into a clinic that specializes in addiction treatment.
battle addiction
1fight against an addiction
To keep trying hard to control or stop an addiction.
- He has been battling addiction for most of his adult life.
- The documentary follows three women as they battle addiction and rebuild their lives.
drug addiction
1harmful dependence on drugs
A serious problem where a person cannot stop using drugs, even when it hurts their life and health.
- The city has invested more money in treatment programs for drug addiction.
- Her brother has struggled with drug addiction since his early twenties.
gambling addiction
1harmful dependence on gambling
A serious problem where a person cannot stop gambling, even when it causes money or family problems.
- His gambling addiction led him into serious debt.
- The center offers support for people with gambling addiction.
internet addiction
1harmful dependence on the internet
A problem where a person uses the internet so much that it hurts their work, school, or relationships.
- Some parents are worried about internet addiction among children.
- The article explores whether heavy gaming should be called internet addiction.
overcome addiction
1successfully recover from addiction
To stop being addicted to something and return to a healthier life.
- With support from her family, she managed to overcome her addiction.
- Therapy and medication can help people overcome addiction.
risk of addiction
1chance of becoming addicted
The possibility that a person may become addicted to something.
- Some painkillers carry a high risk of addiction if used for a long time.
- Doctors warned her about the risk of addiction with that medication.
struggle with addiction
1have ongoing problems with addiction
To have a hard time living with or trying to control an addiction.
- Many people quietly struggle with addiction for years before asking for help.
- He has struggled with addiction since he was a teenager.