Addiction

Addiction in its broadest sense can be defined as the habituation to a practice considered harmful. A more narrow definition of the term refers to chronic use of a chemical substance in spite of severe psychosocial consequences. Terms such as "workaholic," "sex addict," and "computer junkie" arose to describe behaviors that have features in common with alcoholism and other substance addictions. The most convincing data supporting a role of genetics in addiction has been collected for alcoholism, although genetics most likely has a role in other forms of addiction.