Drug addiction is a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress at any time during the same 12 month period.
The obsessive or compulsive use of mind and/or mood altering chemicals in order to feel or function normally. Chemical dependency is characterized by at least three of the following seven American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) diagnostic criteria.

1. Tolerance as defined by either A. Markedly increased amounts of the substance in order to achieve the desired effect; B. Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
2. Withdrawal as manifested by the following: A. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance B. The same or closely related substance is taken to relieve or to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3. Substance is often taken in larger amounts and/or over a longer period than the patient intended.
4. Persistent attempts or one or more unsuccessful efforts made to cut down or to control substance use.
5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from the effects of the substance.
6. Important social, occupational , or recreational activities are given up or reduce because of substance abuse.
7. Continued substance use despite knowledge of having persistent or recurrent physical, legal, or psychological problem(s) that are likely to be caused or exacerbated by the use of the substance.

Other indicators or chemical dependency are:

1. Binge use
2. Memory problems
3. Loss of Control
4. Arrested for use
5. Use in the morning to avoid withdrawal symptoms
6. Compulsion to use
7. Neglected responsibilities
8. Family and/or friends are concerned
9. Protecting and/or hoarding your supply
10. Gulping or sneaking use
11. Crawling skin or goose flesh
12. Decreased tolerance
13. Severe withdrawal symptoms
14. Seizures
15. Difficulty performing job
16. Medical Consequences
17. Increased tolerance
18. Failed control
19. Family History
20. Preoccupation with substance use
21. Blackouts or overdose.