Addiction and Self-Medication

[zenmaster]

Also what is the difference between addiction and habituation. And if a person is really not actually compelled to do something, are they actually addicted?

Good point. I would say that the reinforced habitual action and accompanying thought pattern can develop into an addiction, so addiction I guess is that next level of dependence on a certain structure of thought and action. Edit: and of course the reaction that follows.

But is it ever an addiction or just a relative lack of choice due to some kind of separation? Is a choice not taken due to comfort afforded by a habit, a choice not ever available?