Addiction: GCSE Psychology Definition

What is Addiction?

In GCSE psychology, addiction is defined as the physical and/or psychological need to engage in addictive behaviour, for example, drug-taking, drinking alcohol, or gambling. It may have begun as a pleasurable activity, but eventually it becomes compulsive with harmful consequences. Physical addiction is the physiological state of adaptation to the addictive behaviour, which results in tolerance. The more a person becomes addicted, the higher ‘dose’ of the addictive substance/behaviour they need to get the same effect. 

Addiction can be seen in the craving for the addictive substance/behaviour to achieve a ‘high’ or a ‘buzz’ or a sense of escape. For example, someone needs pain medication for a bad back but once their back is better, they continue to take the medication for the ‘high’ it gives them.

Addiction is linked to dependence because when the addictive activity ceases, this produces withdrawal symptoms, which could include:

• experiencing tremors/shakes

• sweating

• obsessive thoughts about the addictive behaviour

• headaches

• anxiety, irritability, mood swings

Addiction can also be characterised by ‘salience’, which is when the activity becomes the highest priority in a person’s life and comes above other activities such as work and relationships. 

Addiction Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

You can use the Save My Exams revision notes to revise the characteristics of addiction and further your understanding of the theories and treatments for addiction.

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