My understanding is that addictions have to have an element of psychosocial or physiological harm. Particularly compulsive usage and the inability to despite th

My understanding is that addictions have to have an element of psychosocial or physiological harm. Particularly compulsive usage and the inability to despite the harms is when something becomes an addiction. Quitting coffee might give someone headaches, bit more tiredness, difficulty concentrating, etc.. But that is just the body trying to achieve homeostasis. Many diabetics would have horrible withdrawal effects from ceasing their insulin usage -- a substance they cannot live without. They take it everyday and their life depends on it. But many live perfectly normal, functional lives. They do not break into cars to steal radios to pawn off for more insulin. However, jeopardizing your family’s future by taking out a second mortgage on your home just so you can keep gambling -- while you’re already drowning in debt -- and telling yourself, "If my wife finds out, she’ll divorce me and take the kids. But this is the time I win big. This time will be different." That, right there, might be the purest form of addiction there is. All without any physical dependence at all. Gambling addiction also has the highest suicide rate amongst all addictions.