Psychology TopicsAddictions
Addiction is a condition in which the body must have a drug to avoid physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Addiction’s first stage is dependence, during which the search for a drug dominates an individual’s life. An addict eventually develops tolerance, which forces the person to consume larger and larger doses of the drug to get the same effect.
Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology
What You Can Do
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Understanding How People Change is First Step in Changing Unhealthy Behavior
Stages-of-change research has been used to develop dozens of behavior change programs, including HIV prevention, to help people live longer, healthier lives.
Getting Help
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Have Your Children Had Their Anti-Smoking Shots?
Attitude Inoculation dramatically reduces teenage smoking rates.
News
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Life choices are 'behind more than four in 10 cancers'
December 25, 2014, BBC News
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Study looks at marijuana's impact on the brain
December 20, 2014, USA TODAY
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E-cigarettes 'help smokers quit or cut down'
December 16, 2014, BBC News
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Most heavy drinkers are not alcoholics
November 20, 2014, The New York Times
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Ready to quit smoking?
November 17, 2014, USA TODAY
Monitor on Psychology Articles
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Taking a broad view of addiction
November 2013
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What do pigeons have in common with problem gamblers?
July 2013
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Breaking free from addiction
June 2013
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Overcoming temptation
October 2012