There's an important distinction between drug addiction and drug dependence. Most people who function/pay rent/mortgage/buy proper groceries/work etc have drug dependence even if it looks like addiction to themselves and everyone around them.
Basically drug dependence can be very serious, but generally you'll hold down a job, pay all your bills, still live a semi-put together life. But your body still needs a fix quite often (how often usually depends on the drug)
Drug addiction is generally where you will do almost anything for the next fix. Typically you won't hold down a job and therefore won't hold down a place to live, and end up in shelters or the street.
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