Abstract
The paper discusses the mechanisms whereby people become addicted to drugs, citing numerous studies. The paper reviews different classes of drugs to which people become addicted - alcohol, opiates, stimulants - and compares the effects. The paper also reviews sociological factors contributing to drug addiction. In conclusion, the writer states that through research, the mechanisms for how people can become addicted has been learned, but why people become addicted is something which scientific research has still been unable to answer. The writer states that the choice is individual and expresses the hope that people will choose wisely to avoid the destructive path of addiction.

From the Paper
"Nicotine works by stimulating acetylcholine receptors and also increases the activity of dopaminergic neurons. Animals in laboratory tests would self-administer nicotine. Because nicotine stimulates the dopaminergic system, smoking can make it more difficult for cocaine or heroin addicts to quit the drug. The stimulant drug, nicotine, even though it may seem "tame" after discussing the hard-core drugs, has the potential to become highly addictive. The combination of nicotine and other carcinogens in cigarettes can lead to cancer of parts of the body which are exposed to smoke. An example of the dangers and addictive nature of smoking can be seen in Sigmund Freud. His theories of psychoanalysis stressed the importance of insight in changing one's behavior. It is ironic that even after most of his jaw was removed due to cancer from smoking, he was still unable to quit. Ultimately, his cancer killed him (Carlson, 586). Even though in the short term smoking may produce less serious affects than other hard core drugs, smoking related deaths remains as one of the top killers of Americans. The psychological dependency of smoking coupled with the physiologic dependence makes it one of the most addictive and possibly dangerous addictions in terms of its long-term consequences. "Approximately 20 million Americans have used marijuana (labeled the "assassin of youth") at least once in a year placing themselves at risk for developing drug dependence and other problems (Zimbardo 129). The active ingredient in marijuana is THC. Psychological effects of marijuana include mild highs in small doses, and long hallucinogenic reactions in high doses. It also produces euphoria, distortions and occasional out of body experiences. However, marijuana can produce fear, anxiety, and confusion as well as impair motor function. The physiological effects of THC remain a mystery. There are THC receptors in the brain, but the chemical produced by the body for this receptor is still unknown. What is known about THC is that is has an effect on dopaminergic neurons. (Zimbardo, 129). Marijuana also affects short term memory and a person's ability to keep track of a topic in conversation (Carlson, 588)."

Tags:narcotics, opiates, heroin, stimulants, nicotine, cocaine, marijuana

Abstract
This paper examines addiction and addictive behaviors as a social issue in Canada. The paper discusses the scope and nature of the problem, possible solutions, and policy responses. It further discusses whether addictions are a cause or consequence of the social conditions associated with them.

From the Paper
"Addictions are a serious social problem in Canada as in other Western industrial countries and indeed in most, if not all, societies around the world. The prohibition of alcohol and other addictive substances and behaviors by several world religions attest that the problem of addiction is an ancient one. Addictions and the patterns of behavior associated with addiction cause enormous misery to addicts and those around them and on society as a whole."

Tags:addiction, compulsive, behavior, drugs, gambling, canada, policy

Abstract
The paper discusses how nursing practitioners currently stand on the front line of health in Canada, where health care is under some strain due to limited resources and growing demands. However, the paper notes that nursing practitioners are limited in their ability to provide valuable nursing care, due to constraints on their authority in regard to ability to prescribe narcotics. This paper argues that nursing practitioners should be given the power to prescribe narcotics, so that they can do their jobs better and contribute more to the well being of patients, and this policy change would be in line with policy changes that are happening in other parts of the world at this time.

From the Paper
"Nursing practitioners in most parts of Canada are not authorized to prescribe narcotics. Nursing practitioners currently stand on the front line of health in Canada, where health care is under some strain due to limited resources and growing demands. However, nursing practitioners are limited in their ability to provide valuable nursing care, due to constraints on their..."

Tags:nursing, healthcare, narcotics

Abstract
This paper explores the possibility of addiction to video games. Research articles are presented that look at the addictive qualities of the games and who is susceptible. The author also compares this addiction to drug and alcohol abuse and pathological gambling. This literature review combines information from various articles to take a closer look at this issue.

Outline:
Description of Video Games
Definition of Addiction
The Players
Who is Susceptible to Addiction?
Measuring Levels of Addiction
Areas for Further Research

From the Paper
"Video games are designed with many levels, appealing characters, interesting storylines and state-of-the art graphics. Some games use characters and movies that are already familiar and known to potential players. All of these factors have been designed to provide the user with a form of appealing entertainment that they want to purchase and then repeatedly to play. Video games are heavily advertised to attract a player's interest and then influence users into trying them."

Tags:addiction, teens, video, games, behavior

Abstract
This paper discusses the concept of internet addiction, where by people become addicted to surfing the internet for hours on end, affecting the way in which they relate and interact with their family, colleagues, friends and society in general. According to this paper, internet addiction should be treated in a similar manner to other types of addiction.

From the Paper
"Addiction may take on a variety of forms. People might become addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications. Addictions, in fact, have become almost expected. However, the continued rise in the advancements of technology has brought about concerns relating to video games, pornography, and the Internet. As with addictions related to substances, many people become addicted to computers. The Internet provides a lure for them that they cannot ignore. Furthermore, as in all other addictions, Internet addiction affects the ways in which people interact in society, how they function within their families, and how they conduct their lives. It is evident that Internet addicts share many of the same traits correlated with other addictions, and therefore, the problem is one that needs to be addressed."

Tags:internet, addiction, society

Abstract
In this article, the writer presents a qualitative research proposal to analyze the fundamentals and theory for video game addiction. The writer discusses that the underlying assumption regarding video game addiction is directly correlated to the stigma and roots of habitual drug abuse. The writer looks at the history of video game use and addiction.

From the Paper
"Historically, video games, especially violent video games, have been perceived as 'poison' and 'mind numbing' by older generations. Video games are becoming prevalent not only in with the youth of the world, but with older generations. The advent of the video game console has been in existence for roughly 20 years, and the issue of game addiction covers a large age demographic. However, the beginning of the 21st century has demonstrated a skew of the ..."

Tags:research, behavioral, addiction

Abstract
In this article the writer examines computer games addiction. The writer discusses the problems that this addiction causes, the symptoms, the treatment and the prevalence of the problem along with the reasons that this specific addiction is growing so rapidly.

From the Paper
"According to an article by Diane Weiland published in Perspectives in Psychiatric Care personal computers and Internet access have been proliferating in households across the United States and other countries. Everyday activities at home work and school are increasingly dependent upon computers. The ability to access the Internet for news and information to communicate with others and to buy and sell products and services has radically changed society this technological advance also is accompanied by a significant number of problems of varying importance ..."

Tags:computer game addiction, internet, treatment, cognitive behavior modification, death, World of warcraft, Ultima, interactive, MMOG

Abstract
This paper discusses a program of meditation introduced in Indian prisons, Vipassana, that enables inmates to overcome addiction and problems of mental health while gaining a new orientation of themselves and their situations. The paper examines the Vipassana experiment in New Delhi's Tihar Jail and discusses the benefits of implementing this program into Canadian prisons.

Outline:
Introduction
Addictions and Canadian Offenders
Recognizing Addiction in India
What is Vipassana?
Closing Gaps in Practice and Planning
Concluding Discussion

From the Paper
"Terry explained that Canadian recidivism often revolves around an offender's ability to cope with addiction, the ex-offender a person having overcome addiction, and the repeat offender a person not having achieved this. (2002) Canadian officials and institutions need to look further afield for programming, bearing in mind how Third World settings are keenly hampered by fiscal concerns. In short, a program affordable and effective in India is apt to prove effective given the extra supports available in the West. Moreover, what has been offered to Canadian federal offenders has not always served addicted offenders well -- the addict is frequently the 'repeat offender' with whom Federal prisons often deal."

Tags:substance, abuse, de-addiction, repeat, offenders, Tihar, jail

Abstract
The writer discusses that the positive effects of organized gambling on many aspects of modern life outweigh the harmful effects predicted by those who oppose legalizing organized gambling. The author mentions that opponents have beaten the drum concerning addiction to gambling, characterizing it as demonic and likely to ruin the lives of countless millions, as drug and alcohol addiction are said to do. Proponents of legalizing organized gambling contend, instead, that gambling is not an addiction, but a choice, and that the revenues to be derived from legalizing organized gambling can be used to among other things help reduce the real addictions in the United States to narcotics and alcohol.

From the Paper
"Whether or not there is any truly psychological or pathological component in gambling (and Vatz makes a good case that there is not), there are positive societal effects of gambling, not least of which is the contribution it makes to the modern economy. For example, with dotcoms having plunged from their initial moneymaking heights, "The online gambling industry remains one of the Internet's few cash cows, with much of its success owed to an increase in demand from U.S. consumers" (Krebs, 2003). Despite the efforts of various politicians, such as the Maryland Speaker of the House, to curb gambling in various states, the virtually untouchable Internet makes it possible for anyone, anywhere to gamble. Americans are responsible, globally, for most of the growth in online gambling. The U.S. General Accounting Office projected Internet gambling revenues at above $5 billion in 2003, "with 50 to 70 percent of that revenue from U.S. customers" (Krebs, 2003)."

Tags:betting, compulsive, addiction, revenue

Abstract
This paper discusses the tremendous growth of the cocaine business over the past two centuries. The writer explains that it started out as a medicinal drug and developed into a major part of an illegal underworld that has affected many lives and enriched those who realized the marketability and profitability of its potent and addictive nature. The paper relates that cocaine became immensely popular in the 70's disco era as it was thought not to be as harmful as speed or heroine, and it was believed to have a stimulating effect on the brain. The paper then shows how this led to cartels being set up in Columbia, bringing drug dealers huge profits from the drug trade throughout the 70s and 80s and even to the present. This paper includes tables.

Outline:
Cocaine's Early History on the Drug Market
A Very Sellable, But Illegal Drug
Reasons for Cocaine's Popularity
Cocaine and the Brain

From the Paper
"Realizing cocaine's addictive nature and growing market value, The United States Government made its manufacturing and distribution illegal with The Controlled Substances Act of 1970. It was also in this decade that the cocaine trade took off as the drug became a very popular part of the culture in the United States. Understanding the drug's growing popularity, cocaine once again became a huge business beginning in South American countries, especially Columbia, and finding its way to the drug market in the United States."

Tags:cocoa, Coca Cola, Studio 54, compulsion narcotics addiction