Addiction: definition and implications
Open accessAbstract
Integration of addiction into the theory and practice of psychiatry has been hampered by the lack of a definition of addiction which is scientifically useful. A definition is proposed, with diagnostic criteria specified in a format similar to that of DSM‐III‐R. Essentially, addiction designates a process whereby a behavior, that can function both to produce pleasure and to provide escape from internal discomfort, is employed in a pattern characterized by (1) recurrent failure to control the behaviour (powerlessness) and (2) continuation of the behaviour despite significant negative consequences (unmanageability). Some practical and theoretical implications of this definition are then explored.
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Behavioral addictions are characterized by loss of control of excessive behaviors, including pathological gambling, compulsive buying, sexual addictions, and Internet addictions.
“Les addictions sans drogues sont caractérisées par la perte du contrôle des comportements excessifs, en particulier le jeu pathologique, les achats compulsifs, les addictions sexuelles ou les addictions à Internet.”
From Avant-propos : Les addictions sans drogues (2008) · cites this paper as [8]
The Diagnostic criteria for Addictive Disorder section defines addiction in terms of recurrent failure to control a behavior, and the paper explicitly discusses pathological gambling. The integrative approach section names sex as a potentially addictive activity. The copy does not identify compulsive buying or Internet addiction as examples; page numbers are unavailable. (LLM, conf=0.88)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredBehavioral addictions are characterized by impact on physical and/or psychological health and on family and social life.
“Elles sont caractérisées également par le retentissement des conduites addictives sur la santé physique et/ou psychologique ainsi que sur la vie familiale et sociale des sujets.”
From Avant-propos : Les addictions sans drogues (2008) · cites this paper as [8]
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Research works printed but not linked: 1
- AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION (1987) Diag- nostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd edn (R), (Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Association Press). 2 Ibid., p. 166 13600443a, 1990, 11, Downloaded from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1990.tb01620.x, Wiley Online Library on [17/08/2026]. See the Terms and Conditions (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/terms-and-conditions) on Wiley Online Library for rules of use; OA articles are governed by the applicable Creative Commons License
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Avant-propos : Les addictions sans drogues
Dervaux, A., & Valot, L. (2008) · Perspectives Psy · doi:10.1051/ppsy/2008471007
- Authors
- GOODMAN, A.
- Corresponding author
- GOODMAN, AVIEL
- Venue
- British Journal of Addiction
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 1990-11
- Volume
- 85
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 1403-1408
- ISSN
- 0952-0481 (ISSN-L)
- 2056-5178
- OpenAlex
- W2011237454
- Cited by
- 766
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 28 · 2025: 60 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 52 · 2022: 47 · 2021: 45 · 2020: 57 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 39 · 2017: 46 · 2016: 29 · 2015: 34 · 2014: 46 · 2013: 28 · 2012: 45
- FWCI
- 1.48
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- British Journal of Addiction (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Philosophy › Mental Health and Psychiatry
- Keywords
- addiction, definition of addiction, diagnostic criteria, DSM-III-R, powerlessness, compulsive behavior, escape behavior, pleasure, negative consequences
- MeSH terms
- Alcoholism, Humans, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Psychotropic Drugs, Substance-Related Disorders
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