Meaning & use

addict

noun·Everyday

A person who is unable to stop using a substance or engaging in a harmful habit.

See it in a sentence

He became an addict after years of using painkillers prescribed for an old injury.

The support group helps addicts recover through counseling and peer accountability.

A note on using this word

Addict is increasingly avoided in clinical contexts in favor of phrases like 'person with a substance use disorder', which sound less stigmatizing.

Words with a similar meaning

user

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

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