ABSTRACT
The term 'addiction' relates to the difficulty an individual has in managing to go without something. In this chapter it will be used synonymously with 'dependence'. Addiction becomes manifest when individuals continue to engage in a behaviour which is patently damaging and/or despite repeated attempts to stop. Individuals who are highly addicted report feeling a compulsion to engage in the behaviour. Certain drugs, or drug preparations are known to produce addiction in a significant proportion of users. In addition, it is apparent that a behaviour such as gambling can become compulsive. It has been argued that other behaviours, including exercise and using arcade games, are also potentially addictive.
