Behavioral Health Vocabulary

noun the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice

• The medical community recognizes addiction as a serious health condition that requires treatment.
• My friend's addiction to video games is really affecting his grades.
• I can't believe how addicted I am to this new TV show.
• Her addiction to shopping is like a black hole that never seems to be filled.

noun a deterioration in someone's state of health after a temporary improvement

verb to suffer a relapse

• The patient experienced a relapse in their condition and had to be readmitted to the hospital.
• After months of staying sober, he had a relapse and started drinking again.
• She was doing so well with her diet until she had a relapse and ate a whole pizza.
• Just when it seemed like they were making progress, the team suffered a relapse in their performance.