On Jun 30, 3:26 am, "Aidy"  wrote:
> "M_P"  wrote in message
> news:0a81162b-7078-497b-9ad5-43f4854153b4@k26g2000vbp.googlegroups.com...

> > Do you know of a dictionary that says differently?
>
> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addicted
> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction
> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependent

It doesn't say differently ... click the link for dependence:

Main Entry:
    de·pen·dence Listen to the pronunciation of dependence
Variant(s):
    also de·pen·dance Listen to the pronunciation of dependance \di-
ˈpen-dən(t)s\
Function:
    noun

[...] 4 a: drug addiction <developed a dependence on painkillers>

> Now what did that pointless game of semantics prove?

That you shouldn't start semantic arguments you can't win.

> Did I win?

No; see above.

Back to substance (no pun intended): According to research cited by
the (U.S.) National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine, of
those who have used heroin 77% have never been dependent on it ... so
according to the dictionary at least 77% have never been addicted to
it.