When people mention addiction, most of us automatically think of substance addictions, like drug addiction and alcoholism.
There is research done into activities or behaviours that are also considered to be addictive. These include such things, as shopping and gambling.
The simple way to explain is, if a behaviour is impacting you or your life in a negative way and you struggle to stop the behaviour, it could be considered an addiction.
This link explains a little about the chemical reaction in our brain that can lead to an activity or behaviour becoming addictive. This knowledge may help us understand such things as self harm, sex addiction and shop lifting (just to mention a few).
I will continue to post some articles and links that may further explain the behavioural addictive process.
Peace and harmony to all
LoneWolf