Addiction is defined as?

• A. Compulsive use despite harm
• B. Tolerance to analgesics
• C. Unwanted physical dependence
• D. Craving with relief upon use

Answer: (A)

Addiction is defined by compulsive drug use and seeking despite harm, reflecting a loss of control over intake and continued use even when negative consequences occur. This behavioral pattern—compulsive use driven by craving and pursuit despite clear harm—is the hallmark of addiction.

Tolerance to analgesics describes needing more of a drug to achieve the same effect, which is about pharmacologic adaptation, not the compulsive behavior. Unwanted physical dependence refers to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped, a physiological state that can occur with many drugs and doesn’t by itself define addiction. Craving with relief upon use captures craving, but it doesn’t necessarily imply the compulsive pattern and continued use despite harm that define addiction.