Final answer:
Addiction refers to the compulsive use of a substance despite its negative consequences. Signs of addiction include developing a tolerance to the substance, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when usage is discontinued, and enduring negative consequences due to substance use. Often, addiction may co-exist with other psychiatric conditions such as depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Addiction is characterized by the compulsive use of a substance such as a psychoactive drug, despite the negative consequences that such use may entail. The sustained usage may result in dependence on the drug, which can be psychological and/or physical. This dependency can lead to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of drug use.
Signs of addiction can include developing a tolerance to the substance, experiencing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when usage is discontinued, and continuing to use the drug despite adverse results. Comorbidity or the occurrence of two more diagnoses, such as drug addiction and depression, is not uncommon. Symptoms of depression such as sadness, trouble concentrating, withdrawal, and feelings of worthlessness, among others, can imply a substance-related disorder when paired with signs of addiction.
Sometimes, individuals with addiction may self-medicate to cope with symptoms of underlying psychiatric disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Therefore, tackling addiction often involves a comprehensive approach addressing both substance misuse and the co-existing mental health disorders.
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