Webster's dictionary defines addiction as "the compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance, characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal." Merriam Webster states this definition quite firmly. This writing will attempt to shine light on the various angles to approach addiction. It will adhere to the book definition and focus on the compulsiveness of the condition. At the same time, it will illustrate forms of addiction that go against the conventional meaning by not fitting the exact straight definition put forth by Webster. In both instances, examples will be given to attempt to prove or disprove the original definition stated by the book.

Throughout the evolution of man, substance abuse and addiction have plagued human beings. Primitive farmers were the first to discover the mind-numbing properties of marijuana, which is derived from hemp plants. Hemp quickly became popular as a device to dull...