Addiction is a strong mental and physical dependence on, most
commonly, a drug or other substance. Some substances that can lead to addiction
are alcohol, illegal drugs, some prescription medicines, inhalants (such as
spray paint), and nicotine.
A person with an addiction usually has three or more of the following
signs and symptoms:
Most people with addictions also have strong cravings for the drug
The tendency to have addiction problems can be passed from parents
to their children (inherited). This tendency often is accompanied by mental
health problems, such as depression.
January 18, 2012
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Peter Monti, PhD - Alcohol and Addiction
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