This book provides answers to the most pressing questions about addiction. What is the addictive aspect of addiction? Are there criteria? How does addiction develop independently of the substance? What is problematic about addictive experiences and behaviors? What does addiction hinder? What are the transitions from normal to addictive behavior? Is there any benefit to addictive behavior? Are we perhaps all more or less addicted, or do we even live in a "addicted" society? Addiction is one of the chronic problems of our society. It is not only substance-related forms of addiction (alcohol, medications, illegal drugs) that are meant by this term, but also behavioral addictions that are increasing every year: internet addiction, gambling, work, shopping, and sex addiction. These excessive activities are also referred to as non-substance-related forms of addiction.