How is drug addiction best defined?

The definition of drug addiction encompasses a persistent and compulsive engagement with drug use, even when faced with negative consequences. This highlights the significant psychological and physiological dependency that characterizes addiction. A person who is addicted often experiences cravings that lead them to consume drugs despite awareness of the harm they may be causing to themselves and their relationships.

This understanding contrasts with isolated incidents of drug use, which do not indicate a pattern of behavior associated with addiction. Continuous legal use of medication alone does not equate to addiction unless it manifests as a compulsive need that leads to adverse effects. Similarly, occasional social use of drugs lacks the defining characteristics of addiction, as it is generally controlled and does not indicate a dependency or compulsion. The correct choice encompasses the complex nature of addiction, emphasizing its involuntary grip on the user in the face of detrimental outcomes.