Dsm5:
Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to
Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to
Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance
Cravings and urges to use the substance
Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use
Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships
Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use
Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger
Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance
Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance)
Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance
Note that the dsm5 categorizations only needs a couple of those for it to count as a mild substance use disorder. A daily habit you can’t stop, cravings/urges, and a history of familial problems made worse by it, and withdrawal symptoms are more than enough to count without regard to the amount. I’m addicted to caffeine as are most adults I know. Hell some people can fit this definition with junk food and that counts and is valid.
The definition of addiction is about a persistent and intense urge. The amount necessary to quench that urge is irrelevant.
It’s not the same level of addiction as someone who has a handle a day but a small addiction is still an addiction by definition.
Some addictions are just psychological e.g. weed, but things like coffee, nicotine, and alcohol also have physical effects upon quitting.
That’s a non-scientific definition for a medical condition.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction
Dsm5: Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to
Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to
Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance
Cravings and urges to use the substance
Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use
Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships
Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use
Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger
Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance
Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance)
Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance
Note that the dsm5 categorizations only needs a couple of those for it to count as a mild substance use disorder. A daily habit you can’t stop, cravings/urges, and a history of familial problems made worse by it, and withdrawal symptoms are more than enough to count without regard to the amount. I’m addicted to caffeine as are most adults I know. Hell some people can fit this definition with junk food and that counts and is valid.