addiction

(noun) being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs). Synonyms: dependence, dependance, dependency, habituation.

(noun) an abnormally strong craving.

(noun) (Roman law) a formal award by a magistrate of a thing or person to another person (as the award of a debtor to his creditor); a surrender to a master. Example: "Under roman law addiction was the justification for slavery."