Dictionary.com defines it as “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice.” 

I use the term to describe people, Agents that are stuck with bad habits built on flawed thinking.  Addicted to stress, addicted to struggle, addicted to being broke.  I have discussed this with psychologists and although it is an unusual application of the concept and clinically incorrect.   Every one of them agrees that the way people respond and behave around stress, struggle etc, does mirror the more classical meaning of addiction. 

It simply means that you have habitual thinking that prevents you from making different decisions.  Are you addicted to being financially secure?  Or are you addicted to struggling financially?  Here’s how to tell?  If you are addicted to financial security then when it is threatened you take action.  If you are addicted to financial struggle then as soon as you begin to create more financial stability you sabotage it with procrastination, distraction, spending, or something else.

Addictions are chronic.  What are the chronic, ongoing challenges you face?  You know those persistent complaints that keep you up at night.  Some of which you may keep quite private.  Do your addictions get in the way of your success and happiness? 

Identify them first.  Particularly identify the behavior.  Interrupting the thinking pattern just before the behavior is the key to breaking through. 

These “addictions” are often the source of financial struggle.