Endnotes

¹ Actually, that is a simplified definition that is useful, particularly for those who are wondering about having a problem with drugs; however, the definition used by professionals for purposes of diagnosis is more detailed and contains more elements. For example, they question the amount of time that the user has been involved in the activity, how many times the user has tried to stop doing the drug, whether the user needs to take more drug to get the same effect, whether the user has withdrawal, and it asks for a more detailed description of the negative consequences. These are described in the DSM-IV TR and in Endnote 1 in Chapter 1, “What’s In This Book, and Why Should I Read It?” A useful summary of behavioral addictions is in Grant J.E. et al. “Introduction to Behavioral Addictions.” Am J Drug Alc Abuse, 36: 233–241, 2010. If someone has a concern about addiction, he or she should consult a professional.