addictive
Creates compulsive craving
Addictive describes something that creates dependency or is hard to stop once started.
Drugs can be physically addictive, altering brain chemistry until the body craves them.
But addictive also applies to compelling experiences: This show is addictive, addictive gameplay.
The figurative use suggests something so pleasurable or engaging that you keep coming back.
Impossible to restrain
- impulsiveActing without deliberation
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
- repetitiveMarked by recurrence
- obsessiveConsumed by fixation
fixation · persistent · irrational · craving · preoccupation · mania · infatuation · monomania
Powerfully appealing
- mesmerizingCompletely capturing one's attention
- spellbindingCompletely capturing one's attention
- enthrallingDeeply fascinating and gripping
- grippingHolding attention completely
riveting · engrossing · absorbing · compelling · immersive · binge-worthy · unputdownable · hypnotic
State of needing another
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- cravingsIntense desires for something
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
dopamine · habituation · relapse · nicotine · caffeine · sugar · opioids · alcohol
Impossible to withstand
- enticingPowerfully attractive
- temptingArousing desire or interest
- moreishPrompting repeated consumption
- indulgentToo willing to yield
decadent · craveable · snackable · delicious · savory · sweet · salty · umami
Recovery from injury/addiction
- detoxificationRemoving harmful substances internally
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- sobrietyUnimpaired mental state
- abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
intervention · therapy · counseling · twelve-step · methadone · harm-reduction · maintenance · sponsor
uncontrollable
Impossible to restrain
- impulsiveActing without deliberation
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
- repetitiveMarked by recurrence
obsessive · fixation · persistent · irrational · craving · preoccupation · mania · infatuation · monomania · intrusive
alluring
Powerfully appealing
- mesmerizingCompletely capturing one's attention
- spellbindingCompletely capturing one's attention
- enthrallingDeeply fascinating and gripping
gripping · riveting · engrossing · absorbing · compelling · immersive · binge-worthy · unputdownable · hypnotic · transfixing
dependence
State of needing another
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- cravingsIntense desires for something
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
reinforcement · dopamine · habituation · relapse · nicotine · caffeine · sugar · opioids · alcohol · gambling
irresistible
Impossible to withstand
- enticingPowerfully attractive
- temptingArousing desire or interest
- moreishPrompting repeated consumption
indulgent · decadent · craveable · snackable · delicious · savory · sweet · salty · umami · chocolate
rehabilitation
Recovery from injury/addiction
- detoxificationRemoving harmful substances internally
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- sobrietyUnimpaired mental state
abstinence · intervention · therapy · counseling · twelve-step · methadone · harm-reduction · maintenance · sponsor · clean
- Drug Traitspotent, toxic, sedative, narcotic, analgesic
- behaviorshabit, aggressive, agitation, conduct, passive
- game descriptorsfun, exciting, challenging, immersive, competitive
- captivatingcaptivating, fascinating, compelling, mesmerizing, hypnotic
- food adjectivesdelicious, tasty, yummy, scrumptious, savory
- media descriptorsdramatic, thrilling, suspenseful, emotional, atmospheric
addictiveresistible
Capable of being opposed
repellent · uncompelling · repulsive · unappealing · off-putting
addictivetake-it-or-leave-it
Offer without compromise
forgettable · disposable · skippable · optional · non-essential
- digital addictionCompulsive device overuse
- drug addictionCompulsive need for intoxicants
- gambling addictionUncontrollable urge to wager
- sexual addictionCompulsive erotic behavior disorder
- phone addictionCompulsive device use
- alcohol addictionDependence on intoxicating beverages