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The Definition of Addiction

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In its original form, the term "addiction" referred to substances only, where biochemical changes, tolerance and withdrawal effects could easily be measured. As the usage has spread to behaviors (internet, sex, spending, etc.), the meaning has become more fuzzy. On the subject of internet use, do we just use the familiar definition of any disorder... that it must interfere with normal life functioning? Is there a difference between those of us who need to be online many hours for work, and those who just surf the net, or spend hours in chat rooms?

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This solution is comprised of an explanation of the definition of addiction.

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The word addiction actual today has been replaced with the term dependent. To have a dependency to something, whether is be substance, sex, gambling, internet, is to have the overwhelming feeling you can not live with out the object. Even though consciously the person knows the object is harmful to them in some way they continue to engage with it; in many cases they ...

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