1. What Is Addiction? Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (e.g., gambling, sex, shopping) that can be pleasurable but the continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships, or health. Users may not be aware that their behavior is out of control and causing problems for themselves and others. 1

2. 2 o addiction – a state characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. o reinforcing stimuli – stimuli that increase the probability of repeating behaviors paired with them. o rewarding stimuli – stimuli that the brain interprets as intrinsically positive or as something to be approached. o addictive behavior – a behavior that is both rewarding and reinforcing. o physical dependence – dependence that involves persistent physical–somatic withdrawal symptoms. o psychological dependence – dependence that involves emotional–motivational withdrawal symptoms.

3. 3 Addiction exacts a high toll on individuals and society as a whole the consequences of altered neuroplasticity in the brain, and the loss of productivity. Classic hallmarks of addiction include impaired control over substances or behavior, preoccupation with substance or behavior, continued use despite consequences, and denial. Habits and patterns associated with addiction are typically characterized by immediate gratification (short-term reward), coupled with delayed deleterious effects (long-term costs).

4. 4 Potential addictions can include, but are not limited to, exercise addiction, food addiction, drug addiction, computer addiction, sex addiction, shopping addiction, and gambling addiction. Physical dependence occurs when the body has adjusted by incorporating the substance into its "normal" functioning – and therefore physical withdrawal symptoms occur upon cessation of use. Tolerance is the process by which the body continually adapts to the substance and requires increasingly larger amounts to achieve the original effects. Withdrawal refers to physical and psychological symptoms experienced when reducing or discontinuing a substance that the body has become dependent on. Symptoms of withdrawal generally include but are not limited to anxiety, irritability, intense cravings for the substance, nausea, hallucinations, headaches, cold sweats, and tremors.

5. 5 The addiction of students to their mobile phones could threaten the very fabric of society, a recent study suggests. Many students are fanatical about being always available and are extremely uneasy if unable to contact their friends countless times each day. The study's author, Dr Hisao Ishii, said: ‘Students can be seen taking advantage of every spare minute to touch base with their friends. 'It is not the content of the communication but the act of staying in touch that matters.' And he warned: 'Genuine conversation will be driven out by superficial communication, in which the act of contacting one another is all that matters, leading to a deterioration in the quality of relationships. Indeed, the very fabric of society may be threatened.' Psychologist Dr David Lewis said: 'The mobile phone has developed into an addiction. ‘Students hate to feel as that without a phone they will be left out. ‘Students use it to keep up to date with a wide group of acquaintances, so that when they meet up they know the latest news and gossip.'

6. 6 'The mobile phone now often substitutes for physical play,' he explained. 'To develop proper friendships you have to invest time with people, doing things together. 'Speaking on the phone and sending lots of text messages will give children many more acquaintances but fewer friends. They are replacing quality with quantity.' Sociologists have also warned that the popularity of e-mailing, text messaging and playing games on mobile phones is affecting important activities such as reading and studying. The mobile phone has a negative effect on study habits and grades,” he warns. A majority of those aged between 16 and 21 prefer text messaging to all other means of written communication, according to a survey last year. A Government report last year highlighted the increased risk to students overusing mobile handsets and a circular sent to schools suggests that students should be allowed to make calls only in emergencies during school hours and study periods.

7. 7 Every year, a growing number of accidents are caused by cell phone usage while driving, killing thousands. According to Drummond, a columnist for the Bay Area News Group, ‘Our population is now addicted to using mobile phones on the road, even when we drive at speeds as high as 90 miles/hour, we still can’t let the phone out of our hand. The reporter advises that most of the world is now addicted to calling or texting while driving, it’s becoming a global issue of life and death. Cell phone addiction might not only cause problems at school or work, but it might also take your life.’

8. 8 The signs of an addict are someone that can not stay off their cell phone for any length of time. The person may become irritated if someone does not answer his voicemail or text message quick enough. They refuses to turn his phone off, even in areas where cell phone usage is restricted. If they have forgotten their phone at home, they can think of nothing else until they can get home to get it. Cell phones do make life easier, but you should not lose sight of the fact that there is a life without them.