What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
addict
Example
He's an addict and needs professional help to overcome his addiction. [addict: noun]
Example
She's addicted to social media and spends hours scrolling through her feeds every day. [addicted: adjective]
abuser
Example
He's an alcohol abuser and has been arrested multiple times for drunk driving. [abuser: noun]
Example
She was emotionally abused by her partner for years before finally leaving the relationship. [abused: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Addict is more commonly used than abuser in everyday language. Addict is a more general term that can be applied to a wide range of substances or behaviors, while abuser is typically used in the context of substance abuse or domestic violence.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between addict and abuser?
Both addict and abuser are generally informal terms, but abuser may be considered more formal due to its association with legal or counseling contexts.