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Articles on Addiction

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Although addiction is often characterised as a disease and not a crime, it is criminal to possess and use certain drugs. e_monk/Flickr

Why shouldn’t addiction be a defence to low-level crime?

In today’s article in our series Biology and Blame, Jeanette Kennett considers an inconsistency in the law’s approach to compulsion – addicts are responsible but others compelled to harmful behaviours…
Some are working but some have other business. Michiel2005

Tweets and cybersex: workplace web use is a minefield

Market research reports have indicated that many office employees in the UK spend at least one hour of their day at work on non-work activities. They are booking holidays, shopping online, posting messages…
Once you get a taste, it’s hard to stop playing Candy Crush … but why? emi iemei/Flickr

Totally addicted to apps: difficulty makes Candy Crush so sweet

It’s been said that in a city, you’re never more than two metres away from a rat. But it seems more likely that you’re never more than two metres from someone playing the puzzle game Candy Crush Saga…
After long periods of regular use, changes to the dopamine system can mean users appear flat and unmotivated. Shutterstock

Ice age: who has used crystal meth – and why?

If you’ve listened to the news lately, you might think that Australia is overrun with uncontrollably violent people on crystal methamphetamine. This may be true of those in crisis, but the bigger picture…
The bird that just won’t die. But can you live without it?

Flappy Bird obsession is not necessarily an addiction

Flappy Bird, a deceptively simple gaming app, has been withdrawn by its creator Dong Nguyen because it is too “addictive”. His decision appears to have sparked a frenzy among fans who are reportedly so…
Scrooge McDuck: a classic case of wealth addiction. Carl Barks/Disney

Bonus obsession makes bankers miserable

News that many of the large banks will continue to pay large bonuses has sparked off another round of public anger. Even the beleaguered RBS hopes to offer some of its top bankers bonuses worth 200% of…
It’s hardly surprising the Coalition would baulk at costly regulation in the gambling industry. Flickr/Marionzetta

Coalition must pre-commit to addressing problem gambling

The future of Australia’s pokies pre-commitment scheme – which enables players to set a limit on how much they’re prepared to lose – is in doubt, with Labor likely to support the Coalition’s move to repeal…
THC stimulates dopamine. Gareth Fuller/PA

Targeting cannabis reward-effect could help treat addiction

A new drug that targets the rewarding effects of cannabis could help some to overcome their addiction. If promise becomes a reality after clinical trials, it could join medications that are used in the…
Recovery is a long journey, with addictions typically lasting for around 27 years. Image from shutterstock.com

Addiction can’t always be cured so let’s focus on quality of life

Alcohol and substance abuse costs the Australian economy A$24.5bn a year. The human toll from accidents, overdoses, chronic disease, violence, mental illness and family disruption, however, is immeasurable…
Our immune system is constantly talking to our brain, keeping it updated on any changes to our health. Image from shutterstock.com

Addiction and the brain: how the immune system takes over

How do you know you are sick? No, really… Think about it. If you have suffered through another winter of coughs and sniffles, and you are about to be hit by the spring allergies, you will know the feeling…
A risk too far? bigaila

Hard Evidence: is the teenage brain wired for addiction?

As a nation, we are drinking much more than we used to, which is partly attributable to alcohol being cheaper and more available than ever. Many British teenagers get into the habit early, although recent…
It’s just an illusion: drinking more coffee every day to keep alert. PA/Geoff Caddick

Caffeine withdrawal drives need for more but are we addicts?

Caffeine is humankind’s favourite drug. It’s estimated to be consumed by 80% of people worldwide, and most of us consume several doses a day. This popularity would appear to be explained in large part…
Crystal meth forms the basis of fictional TV show Breaking Bad, but its effects are very real. YVRBCbro

Breaking Bad and crystal meth – a chemical reaction

Crystal meth has at least two faces, in common with those people unfortunate enough to succumb to its charms, as these horrific before-and-after pics show. I’d like to look at the drug chemically, to shine…

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