Introduction: This paper presents a critical review of published literature detailing the cardinal signs, types, physiology, underlying causes and strategic management for addiction.

Background: Addiction refers to irrepressible urge which is often accompanied by loss of control. Certain behaviour unconsciously makes people addict to certain things. It’s a kind of psychological dependency that ruins many lives by affecting all the aspects of human life.

Methods: Following a literature search of electronic databases, 15 articles were retrieved that met the selection criteria with papers discussed in relation to cardinal signs, types, physiology, underlying causes and strategic management for addiction. 

Results: There is significant impact of addiction on physical, social, psychological and economic status for the addicts and their families as well as the society.

Conclusions: It is very essential to create awareness on addiction so that people abstain from such activities.

Nursing Implications: These findings will help the nursing professionals to identify the underlying causes of addiction, pathophysiology of addiction and impact of addiction on life, thus they can help the people by educating them.

Keywords: Addiction; Cardinal Signs; Physiology; Strategic Management.