Addiction is complicated. The term gets bandied around to describe run-of-the-mill enjoyment (‘That chocolate cake is so good – it’s addictive’ or ‘I can’t stop watching Below Deck – it’s such addictive viewing’). But anyone who’s battled real addiction knows that it’s overwhelming and quality-of-life-limiting.

The NHS defines addiction as “not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you”. That might sound simple enough, but the causes of addiction are more complex, according to Helen Wells, psychotherapist and clinical director at The Dawn Rehab Thailand. She believes that addiction is influenced by a variety of genetic, environmental and behavioural factors.

“Research shows that genetic traits such as impulsivity and risk-taking can be inherited – making you more susceptible to addictive behaviours,” she says. “Learned behaviour also plays a part. If you’ve had exposure to addictive behaviours such as using drugs or alcohol at a young age, that can impact brain development and increase the likelihood of addiction later. While the idea of an ‘addictive personality’ is controversial, certain traits are associated with a higher risk of addiction, such as impulsivity, irritability and a tendency to seek thrills.”

It’s also important to flag of course, that certain addictions like smoking involve an external chemical element. Smoking is addictive in a different way to screen time. But reasons for getting into smoking might be similar to those involved in excessively using social media.

Can’t stop scrolling or vaping? Experts explain why we’re more addicted than ever (and how to curb our bad habits)