What are the medical criteria for an addiction?

Most addicts don't: Most addicts don't want to stop & think that they can stop. An addiction is so powerful that people do not want to stop. They activate parts of the brain that make you feel good, but the good feeling last for less & less time & you need more & more of the substance to get the high. Contact a therapist who specializes in addiction to learn more.

DependenceWithdrawal: The hallmarks of physical addiction = (1) physical "dependence" - user experiences withrawal symptoms if stops using/taking it (happens w/many substances, incl meds 4 high blood pressure); & (2) "tolerance" -over time, user requires higher & higher amounts of the substance 2 get same effect. User experiences cravings in relation to cues that become associated w/substance -time of day, place, etc.