Signs of addiction, addict, dependence, dependent

Dr William Lowenstein is a specialist in the field of addictions. He answers our questions on the phenomenon of addiction.

What does saying that we're addicted actually mean?
This overused expression relates to realities that are quite different from one another. In reality, an addiction is an illness with a  large spectrum. There are serious and light forms of it. It's not a problem of willpower, like some people would like to believe, those who make people feel guilty with comments like "you just have to want to stop to be able to stop". When you're really missing something and you find yourself in a state of deep unhappiness when you can't have it, there's not a lot that willpower can do about it. With an addiction, brain function changes. In order to carry on living, the person needs to find the substances, behaviour and emotions that provide relief.

How can you recognise if someone is an addict?
Deprived of their fix, whatever it may be, the person gets irritable, frustrated and stressed. Eventually, brain dysfunction takes hold and they experience problems with their behaviour, mood and thoughts. Their mind is taken over by the idea of drinking (alcoholics), working (workaholics), or connecting to the net (Internet addicts). Sleep and food problems occur, as does a lack of interest in daily life.