The simpliest explanation of addiction/dependence is:
When a person knows that something (or someone) is bad/unhealthy for him or her....
and has (or will have) negative consequences....
but feels like it is something (or someone) that he or she can't live without.
so he or she does it anyway.
Addiction not only hurts and is unhealthy for the person who is struggling with it, it is also hurtful and unhealthy for all of those who love him or her.
If you or someone that you know or love is struggling with addiction, Dr.Laura can help.