Dependency is an uncontrollable compulsion
to repeat a behavior regardless of its negative consequences. A
person who is addicted is sometimes called an addict.
Those with such addictions must seek dependency treatment.
Many drugs or behaviors can precipitate a pattern of conditions
recognized as addiction, which include a craving for more of the
drug or behavior, increased physiological tolerance to exposure,
and withdrawal symptoms in the absence of the stimulus. Most
drugs and behaviors that directly provide either pleasure or
relief from pain pose a risk of dependency. Addictions can also
be formed due to opponent process reactions. For example the
terror of jumping out of an airplane is rewarded with intense
pleasure when the parachute opens. Because of opponent process
criminal behavior, running, stealing, violence, acting, test
taking can become habit forming.
