What's the difference between addiction and compulsion.

Addiction is where one depends on a certain substance in order to go about life. They are dependent regardless of whether it affects those around them. Compulsion is simply a strong urge to do something. It's a great part of addiction. One can live without what he is compelled to do but he or she will have trouble avoiding his or her addiction.

This is open to discussion.

 

Theories of abnormal psychology hold that compulsion is mental, or what is referred to as cognitive-behavioral in nature. They explain compulsion in terms of thought processes centering around general or situational anxiety. So-called compulsive behavior is thought to be an outlet or relief for anxiety. The behavior is characterized as abnormal, as opposed to an adaptive coping mechanism, only to the extent that it interferes with normal functioning or enjoyment of normal activities. A surgeon scrubbing his hands twelve times a day before performing as many surgeries would be considered normal. A child who enjoyed playing in the water and washing his or her hands as frequently would not be considered abnormal or compulsive. In contrast, an individual who feared germs and infections who did the same, and was unable to concentrate or get through the day without repeating the behavior, might be classified as compulsive. The experience of cognitive and affective dissonance would be a factor. That is, whether the individual was content to engage in the behavior, or was aware of negative thoughts and affect before, during, or after engaging in it would be important to the classification. It is not merely the behavior that determines the classification, but the thoughts and emotions surrounding it. Theories hold that compulsion is treated by addressing the anxiety provoking stimulus and reducing any compulsive behavior that interferes with usual activity.

Physiological theories explain addiction as a physiological response to the use of a chemical substance characterized by the development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Addiction is treated by gradually removing the harmful substance from the body in a process of detoxification in an effort to minimize or eliminate withdrawal symptoms, usually under medical management.