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Considering the Definition of Addiction

Author

Listed:
  • Steve Sussman

    (Departments of Preventive Medicine and Psychology, University of Southern California, Soto Street Building, Room 302, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, California 90032, USA)

  • Alan N. Sussman

    (2329 Winthrop Avenue, Apt. 60, Roanoke, Virgina 24015, USA)

Abstract

The definition of addiction is explored. Elements of addiction derived from a literature search that uncovered 52 studies include: (a) engagement in the behavior to achieve appetitive effects, (b) preoccupation with the behavior, (c) temporary satiation, (d) loss of control, and (e) suffering negative consequences. Differences from compulsions are suggested. While there is some debate on what is intended by the elements of addictive behavior, we conclude that these five constituents provide a reasonable understanding of what is intended by the concept. Conceptual challenges for future research are mentioned.

Suggested Citation

  • Steve Sussman & Alan N. Sussman, 2011. "Considering the Definition of Addiction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:8:y:2011:i:10:p:4025-4038:d:14433
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hirschman, Elizabeth C, 1992. "The Consciousness of Addiction: Toward a General Theory of Compulsive Consumption," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 19(2), pages 155-179, September.
    2. Steve Sussman & Adam Leventhal & Ricky N. Bluthenthal & Marilyn Freimuth & Myriam Forster & Susan L. Ames, 2011. "A Framework for the Specificity of Addictions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(8), pages 1-17, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Deborah Louise Sinclair & Steve Sussman & Maarten De Schryver & Cedric Samyn & Sabirah Adams & Maria Florence & Shazly Savahl & Wouter Vanderplasschen, 2021. "Substitute Behaviors following Residential Substance Use Treatment in the Western Cape, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, December.
    2. Steve Sussman & Deborah Louise Sinclair, 2022. "Substance and Behavioral Addictions, and Their Consequences among Vulnerable Populations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-5, May.
    3. Sheila Yu & Steve Sussman, 2020. "Does Smartphone Addiction Fall on a Continuum of Addictive Behaviors?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-21, January.
    4. Jasmine Cheung & Deborah Neyle & Peggy Pik Kei Chow, 2021. "Current Knowledge and Behavior towards Salt Reduction among Hong Kong Citizens: A Cross – Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-13, September.
    5. Rosendo Berengüí & José María López-Gullón & Salvador Angosto, 2021. "Physical Sports Activities and Exercise Addiction during Lockdown in the Spanish Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-13, March.

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    Keywords

    definition; addiction;

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