Addiction can take many forms, from substance dependence to habits that are hard to break. These idioms capture the struggle, intensity, and grip of addiction in a way that resonates with real-life experiences.

1. Hooked On

Meaning: Deeply addicted to something.
Example: “He’s completely hooked on caffeine.”
Tone: Casual, descriptive.
Other ways to say it: Dependent on, obsessed with.

2. Can’t Kick the Habit

Meaning: Unable to stop an addiction or routine.
Example: “No matter how hard she tries, she can’t kick the habit.”
Tone: Struggling, helpless.
Other ways to say it: Stuck in a cycle, unable to quit.

3. Chasing the Dragon

Meaning: Seeking the intense high of an addiction, often with diminishing returns.
Example: “He’s been chasing the dragon for years, trying to relive that first high.”
Tone: Desperate, intense.
Other ways to say it: Pursuing a lost thrill, chasing a high.

4. Cold Turkey

Meaning: Quitting an addiction suddenly without weaning off.
Example: “He quit smoking cold turkey.”
Tone: Determined, abrupt.
Other ways to say it: Stop suddenly, quit outright.

5. A Slave to

Meaning: Completely controlled by an addiction.
Example: “He’s a slave to gambling.”
Tone: Powerless, dependent.
Other ways to say it: Controlled by, trapped by.

6. One More Fix

Meaning: Needing one last dose or hit of something addictive.
Example: “She kept telling herself it was just one more fix.”
Tone: Desperate, unrelenting.
Other ways to say it: Just one more, final hit.

7. A Crutch

Meaning: Using something as emotional or psychological support.
Example: “Alcohol became his crutch after the breakup.”
Tone: Dependent, emotional.
Other ways to say it: A coping mechanism, an escape.

8. On the Wagon

Meaning: Abstaining from an addiction, especially alcohol.
Example: “He’s been on the wagon for six months now.”
Tone: Positive, disciplined.
Other ways to say it: Sober, staying clean.

9. Off the Wagon

Meaning: Returning to an addiction after a period of sobriety.
Example: “He was doing great, but last week, he fell off the wagon.”
Tone: Regretful, disappointed.
Other ways to say it: Relapse, back to old habits.

10. Feeding the Habit

Meaning: Continuing to satisfy an addiction.
Example: “He spends all his money feeding the habit.”
Tone: Continuous, consuming.
Other ways to say it: Supporting the addiction, fueling the need.

11. Strung Out

Meaning: Severely affected by addiction, often physically and mentally exhausted.
Example: “He looked completely strung out after days of using.”
Tone: Distressed, overwhelmed.
Other ways to say it: Worn out, drained.

12. In Too Deep

Meaning: So deeply addicted that it’s hard to escape.
Example: “She didn’t realize she was in too deep until it was too late.”
Tone: Overwhelmed, trapped.
Other ways to say it: Stuck, too far gone.

13. A Monkey on Your Back

Meaning: A persistent addiction that’s hard to shake.
Example: “His gambling addiction has been a monkey on his back for years.”
Tone: Burdensome, constant.
Other ways to say it: A heavy burden, a constant struggle.

14. Drowning In

Meaning: Overwhelmed by addiction.
Example: “He’s drowning in his addiction to painkillers.”
Tone: Helpless, engulfed.
Other ways to say it: Consumed by, lost in.

15. Can’t Get Enough

Meaning: Always wanting more of something addictive.
Example: “She can’t get enough of social media.”
Tone: Enthusiastic, uncontrolled.
Other ways to say it: Obsessed with, always craving.

16. Have a Taste For

Meaning: Strong desire or craving for something.
Example: “He’s always had a taste for whiskey.”
Tone: Descriptive, habitual.
Other ways to say it: Drawn to, craving.

17. Playing With Fire

Meaning: Engaging in risky addictive behavior.
Example: “Trying those pills is playing with fire.”
Tone: Dangerous, cautionary.
Other ways to say it: Taking risks, flirting with danger.

18. Hook, Line, and Sinker

Meaning: Completely falling into an addictive cycle.
Example: “He fell for gambling hook, line, and sinker.”
Tone: Consumed, trapped.
Other ways to say it: Fully involved, caught up.

19. Back to Square One

Meaning: Starting over after a failed attempt to quit.
Example: “After relapsing, he’s back to square one.”
Tone: Frustrated, starting over.
Other ways to say it: Back at the beginning, restarting.

20. The Devil on Your Shoulder

Meaning: The temptation of addiction constantly present.
Example: “That bottle of wine feels like the devil on my shoulder.”
Tone: Tempting, haunting.
Other ways to say it: Constant temptation, inner battle.

21. Dabble In

Meaning: Experimenting with addictive substances or behaviors.
Example: “He started by dabbling in gambling, but it got out of control.”
Tone: Initial, casual.
Other ways to say it: Try out, experiment with.

22. Caught in a Vicious Cycle

Meaning: Stuck in a repeating loop of addiction and relapse.
Example: “He’s caught in a vicious cycle of quitting and relapsing.”
Tone: Repetitive, frustrating.
Other ways to say it: Stuck in a loop, unable to escape.

23. Fighting Demons

Meaning: Struggling with addiction and inner conflicts.
Example: “He’s been fighting his demons for years.”
Tone: Personal, intense.
Other ways to say it: Battling struggles, dealing with inner darkness.

24. Fall Into the Trap

Meaning: Getting caught in the addictive pattern.
Example: “She fell into the trap of nicotine addiction.”
Tone: Warning, regretful.
Other ways to say it: Caught in a cycle, tricked.

25. Going Down a Slippery Slope

Meaning: Entering an addictive path that’s hard to stop.
Example: “Experimenting with drugs is a slippery slope.”
Tone: Cautionary, warning.
Other ways to say it: A dangerous path, leading to worse.

26. Spiraling Out of Control

Meaning: An addiction worsening rapidly.
Example: “His drinking is spiraling out of control.”
Tone: Alarming, serious.
Other ways to say it: Getting worse, out of hand.

27. Hitting Rock Bottom

Meaning: Reaching the lowest point due to addiction.
Example: “After losing his job, he realized he had hit rock bottom.”
Tone: Dramatic, serious.
Other ways to say it: At the lowest point, needing help.

Conclusion

Addiction is a complex struggle, and these idioms express the highs, lows, and battles that come with it. Whether overcoming challenges or stuck in a cycle, these phrases help describe the journey.