What it means
People with an addiction feel strong cravings, lose control over use and keep going despite problems with health, work or relationships. The current diagnosis for substance problems is substance use disorder, graded mild, moderate or severe; addiction usually means the severe form. It is a treatable condition of the brain, and relapse can happen during recovery. Physical dependence on a drug, with withdrawal when it stops, is not the same thing as addiction.
For the nurse
Use person-first, non-blaming words ("a person with a substance use disorder"). Ask about use honestly and without judgment, watch for withdrawal, and treat pain properly even in clients with a history of addiction.
At a glance
| Spanish | adicción |
|---|---|
| Also written | addictions, addicted |
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
recovery
The process of getting better after an illness, injury, surgery or substance use, or the time just after anesthesia.
delirium tremens
The most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, with sudden confusion and overactivity of the nervous system.