Historically, addiction has been defined with regard solely to psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the chemical milieu of the brain.
Many people, both psychology professionals and laymen, now feel that there should be accommodation made to include psychological dependency on such things as gambling, food, sex, pornography, computers, video games, internet, work, exercise, idolising, watching TV or certain types of non-pornographic videos, spiritual obsession, cutting and shopping so these behaviors count as 'addictions' as well and cause guilt, shame, fear, hopelessness, failure, rejection, anxiety, or humiliation symptoms associated with, among other medical conditions, depression and epilepsy
Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, refers to a maladaptive pattern of use of a substance that is not considered dependent.
The term \"drug abuse\" does not exclude dependency, but is otherwise used in a similar manner in nonmedical contexts. The terms have a huge range of definitions related to taking a psychoactive drug or performance enhancing drug for a non-therapeutic or non-medical effect. All of these definitions imply a negative judgment of the drug use in question (compare with the term responsible drug use for alternative views).
Some of the drugs most often associated with this term include alcohol, amphetamines,barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methaqualone, and opioids. Use of these drugs may lead to criminal penalty in addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, both strongly depending on local jurisdiction.
Other definitions of drug abuse fall into four main categories: public health definitions, mass communication and vernacular usage, medical definitions, and political and criminal justice definitions.
Worldwide, the UN estimates there are more than 50 million regular users of heroin, cocaine and synthetic drugs.
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Articles About Addiction
To Write Love On Her Arms Raises Awareness At Bamboozle 2012
By IBTimes
This past weekend merch tables lined the boardwalk and street in front of the Asbury Park Convention Hall for the 2012 Bamboozle Festival. Selling everything from t-shirts, posters, band merch and jewelry, there was one table offering more than just a product. (1:06 am)
Child Addicts At Heart Of Indonesia Anti-Smoking Lawsuit
By Reuters
Anti-tobacco advocates in Indonesia plan to file a class action lawsuit this month using cases of child addicts in the hope of forcing tougher regulations on a society where one in three people smokes. (2:43 pm)
MORE TOPICS: ADVERTISING, LAWSUIT
Deflation isn't the Enemy
By Micheal Pento
We now live in a world where deflation has become public enemy number one. In this current economic environment, governments seek a condition of perpetual inflation in order to maintain the illusion of prosperity in the developed world. (May 23)
Carol Burnett Book: Comedian To Publish Memoir On Late Daughter, Titled ‘Carrie And Me’
By IBTimes
Burnett’s book is set for release in 2013. (May 22)
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Deflation isn't the Enemy
By Micheal Pento
We now live in a world where deflation has become public enemy number one. In this current economic environment, governments seek a condition of perpetual inflation in order to maintain the illusion of prosperity in the developed world. (May 22)
'Connectivity is Like Oxygen' - Survey Finds Workers' Smartphone Addiction Increasing
By IBTimes UK
Smartphones, tablets and the mobile internet has resulted in workers putting in 60-hour weeks and routinely checking their phones during the night. (May 22)
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Miley Cyrus: The Heartbreak, Health and Hits
By IBTimes AU
Miley Cyrus is ready to hit the limelight once more. Despite Miley’s film “LOL” getting no love, the 19-year old pop star has got her hopes up for another music album. (May 18)
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'The Kennedy Curse' Strikes Again With Death of Mary Kennedy, A Timeline Of Family History And Misfortune
By IBTimes
The death of Mary Richardson Kennedy, an apparent suicide, is another instance to add to the timeline of the Kennedy family history, which many believe is under a curse of misfortune. Despite their political fame and fortune, the family has been ridd... (May 17)
Malaysia: Three Mexican Brothers And Two Others Sentenced To Death For Drug Trafficking
By IBTimes
On Thursday, a Malaysian high court sentenced five people, including three Mexican brothers, to be hanged by the neck for drug trafficking. (May 17)
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Max Payne 3: Features Round-up, Gameplay, Release Dates, Plot and Storyline [SPOILERS & VIDEOS]
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We round-up all the details surrounding Max Payne 3, which launches this week including gameplay, plot, release dates and videos. (May 16)
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