Addiction is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.

These days there are a multitude of addictive substances that are harmful to a person’s health, well-being and social life. Some of these are not only dangerous, but also highly illegal and must be purchased quietly from a back alley or shady apartment building. Others are absolutely legal and can be bought in almost any convenience store and gas station.

However, one of the most addictive substances known to man today, can be bought legally but only from certain stores. Unlike others, payment for this drug involves one large lump sum and then smaller payments each month to keep the high coming.

This drug comes in many shapes and sizes, it has many names, and more than likely you, that’s right, you are carrying it right now in your pocket.

I am, of course, talking about ... the smart phone.

Let’s re-address the definition of addiction again: First, ‘a compulsive need for and use of.’ Now many of us have worked our way up from a simple flip-phone or Nokia, the lowest grade of the drug and what got so many of us hooked.