What is the term for a chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use?

The term that describes a chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and continued use despite harmful consequences is addiction. Addiction involves complex interactions between brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual's life experiences. It is not merely about physical dependence on a substance, but also encompasses psychological components, where individuals often feel compelled to seek out and use drugs to the detriment of their health and well-being.

Dependency refers to a physical condition that occurs when the body adapts to a drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is reduced or discontinued, but it does not capture the compulsive behavior aspect that defines addiction. Withdrawal is the set of symptoms that occur when an individual stops using a substance they are dependent on; it is a consequence of dependency rather than a defining characteristic of addiction itself. Recovery involves the process of overcoming addiction and restoring health, but it does not describe the state of compulsive drug use. Thus, addiction is the most accurate term for the condition described in the question.