Drug Abuse

Question by nick p: What does it mean to say a person is “addicted”. What are the sufficient condition of addiction?
There are many addictions: Drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, eating, etc.

But, what do we mean when we say they are addicted? What is this quality?
EP: I must immediately ask you what it means to be obsessed. I hope you won’t say addicted, or define it synonymously again. Also, given that we are in the philosophy section ought we say philosophers are addicted to discovering the truth, since they typically have a hard time considering other things? Doesn’t this seem odd, though? To say one is addicted to discovering truth?
Bobby: We consider things like “generosity” and “humility” as habits but we don’t attribute the quality of addiction to those who have such habits. Still, it’s not odd for someone who is usually generous, experiencing financial difficulties and thus having to stop her generosity, to become sad and depressed that she can no longer give. Doesn’t it seem odd to say she is addicted to giving things in order to help others well being?
Babysnoopy: Firstly, you only talking about drug addiction. Secondly, I wanted to know what addiction it self was, not the effects of specific kinds.
Jones: Wouldn’t your definition make sleep an addiction, since we need it?
Mike Y: Thanks for your response. As a fellow follower of Aristotle I am always happy to see you responding, as we have discussed things in the past as well. Moving on, though. Your definition seems to imply that addiction is a kind of time due to the “when” beginning the definition. Is it? Or is it a quality? Also, it seems that some degree of knowledge is necessary for sustaining our lives. Since knowledge takes on this kind of priority, should I infer that it is an addiction?

Best answer:

Answer by E P
Obsession. Inability to consider other things or ideas.

Edit: I chose to answer your last question; the quality of individual obsession is a baseline of addiction; and it will be plain to see.
And yes you may, of course, say this of philosophy – if this is a baseline observation.

Answer by Bobby B
Well take if from me it is when it becomes a habit, it changes your thought process, it becomes more important that they have it before anything else, or when they go into debt getting it. When it becomes a need. you can choose anyone.

here is a term from the dictionary
the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

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