noun [C] 1. a person who cannot stop doing or using something, esp. something harmful
a drug/heroin/nicotine addict
a gambling addict.
HUMOROUS I'm a chocolate/television/shopping addict.
addicted
adjective She was addicted to heroin at the age of 14.
I'm addicted to (=I very often eat/drink) chocolate/vodka.
She's become addicted to love stories/horror films/football.
I know that if I start watching a soap opera I immediately become hopelessly addicted.
addiction
noun Her previous novel dealt with her recovery from drug addiction. [U]
For years she was dependent on drugs and drink and it was only in her fifties that she finally
managed to overcome these addictions. [C]
Patrick is trying to cure himself of his addiction to alcohol. [U]
addictive
adjective 1. An addictive drug is one which you cannot stop taking once you have started.
Narcotics such as morphine, heroin and cocaine are extremely addictive.
Tobacco is highly addictive and the tobacco industry knows this.
2. Addictive is also used of any activity or food that you cannot stop doing or eating once you have
started.
The problem with video games is that they're addictive.
These nuts are addictive - I can't stop eating them!
3. Someone who is described as having an addictive personality very quickly becomes addicted to
drugs, activities or food.