The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as "Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response."
Similar to other chronic diseases, addiction may involve cycles of relapse and a mental state of remission. If untreated, or serious attempts of recovery, the progression of addiction can easily result in dire, sometimes fatal, consequences.
Addiction can take many forms, from eating disorders to drug addiction and even gambling. Whatever the affliction, or choice of addiction, the teenage psyche and overall well being is at greater risk than that of a fully developed adult. Teens who don't receive adequate rehabilitation for their addiction are almost certain to carry their addictive qualities into adulthood.
Parents of a teenage boy or girl suffering from addiction should seek viable treatment options immediately before the addiction progresses further.