Drug addiction is defined as a pathological condition. The disorder of addiction involves the progression of acute drug use to the development of drug-seeking behavior, the vulnerability to relapse, and the decreased, slowed ability to respond to naturally rewarding stimuli.

The three stages of addiction are preoccupation/anticipation, binge/intoxication, and withdrawal/negative affect. These stages are characterized, respectively, everywhere by constant cravings and preoccupation with obtaining the substance; using more of the substance than necessary to experience the intoxicating effects; and experiencing tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and decreased motivation for normal life activities.

You could be addicted emotionally and/or psychologically. If you have a drug addiction, you have intense cravings for the drug. You would want to use it again and again, despite the consequences. You may also havephysical dependence which means that when you don't have the drug you have unpleasant physical reactions. Certain drugs are more likely to cause physical dependence than others.

While not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, many people do. Breaking a drug addiction is difficult, but not impossible. Support from your doctor, family, friends and others who have a drug addiction, as well as inpatient or outpatient drug addiction treatment, may help you beat your drug dependence.