According to the definition of mental disorders and behavioral disorders, addiction is defined as:
” A cluster of physiological, behavioral and cognitive phenomena of variable intensity, in which the use of a psychoactive drug (or drugs) takes on a high priority. ”
Addiction has been known since ancient times. The Sumerians left records on clay tablets about growing poppy and making opium. The Arabs considered hashish a sacred plant that opens the “door of Heaven,” while the Indians used opium to perform religious ceremonies.
The abuse of psychoactive substances has been particularly pronounced over the last ten years. The devastating data indicate that the age limit is continuously moved, so younger generations have their first contact with drugs or alcohol earlier.
About 16 percent of fifteen-year-olds had experience with some drug. Almost half of the young people know where or from whom they can buy.
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