Misusing The Word Addiction

People misuse words and phrases constantly. Some people misuse words so much they tend to make up their own definition of the word and forget what the true meaning of the word really is. Addiction is a term that is misused quite often, some people may not see this as a big deal, but it is a bigger deal than people might realize. The actual definition of the word addiction is, “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

Misusing the word addiction is a big deal, but why? By misusing the word addiction people are taking a less concerning situation for more depressing situation. People may not

realize that they are doing this and may not see what a big deal it may be.

Someone who has an actual addiction may hear someone misuse the term and get offended. Someone who is suffering from an addictive condition may get upset or frustrated with the person who is misusing the term addiction because they don’t understand what it is like to have an actual condition. For example, some people may say they are addicted to video games. They absolutely have to play video games for at least an hour a day to be content. Yes, there are some people out there who may really have an addiction to video games, but an hour a day is not an addiction. Where is the pain and suffering from someone playing video games for an hour a day? Where on the other hand people who are addicted to heroin, cocaine, or any type of drugs have a different perspective on addiction. Someone addicted to drugs may be out on the streets living under a bridge because they can’t afford to live in a home because all their money goes to drugs. They might not have a job because they can’t pass a

drug test. They may be selling their bodies just to get money to purchase the drug they thrive to survive. They go through with drawl symptoms like anxiety, headaches, sweating, nausea, depression, increased heart rate and plus, etc. Most addicts live in shame and denial about their situation because they don’t want anyone to know about it. On the other hand, people playing video games an hour a day do not care who knows if they play games an hour a day, in fact they call up their friends and invite them to join in on their game. The difference here is incredibly obvious.
The definition of addiction according to dictionary.com is “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.” Addiction is a really serious condition and its word gets thrown around like a loose piece of paper.

Addiction seriously affects your life and the way you live. An hour of video games a day does not even come close to the amount of trauma given from overdosing on drugs and having withdrawal symptoms. The misuse of the word addiction varies from person to person. Another way people misuse the word addiction is to define something they really like. A girl may wear the same brand of clothing every day, let’s say Victoria Secret, and she may say “Oh my gosh, I love Victoria Secret so much it’s so addicting I may never where Hollister again.” She will not have withdrawal symptoms, like an anxiety attack, from wearing Victoria Secret clothing every day. There is a big difference in this definition of the word compared to the real

definition.
People can misuse the word addiction to get them out of trouble, or to hide their mistakes. For example, someone may claim they are addicted to sex. An older person may be on trial for molesting numerus amount of young girls and boys, but then try and cover up his situation by claiming they’re addicted to sex and needs sex to survive. In reality they are just admitting to have this alleged addiction to get sympathy from instead of harsh judgement and a heavy sentencing. The person is misusing the word addiction to get people to think he did not want to commit the crime they did, to make it look like their addiction made them do it, and get to their sympathy vote. The person is misusing the word addiction to help benefit themselves. Although, there might be something wrong with the person but addiction is not the correct word to be used in this situation.
Addiction a bigger deal than someone may realize, it is misused in too many ways. To say they’re addicted to something they do an hour a day but have no withdrawal symptoms from it. To say they’re addicted to something they really like and wear everyday but will not have an anxiety attack from wearing it. Lastly, to get them out of trouble. To blame them for having an addiction when really they do not, just to save themselves. These are just three examples of how the word addiction gets misused and there are plenty more ways to incorrectly misuse the word.