Chapter 7
Other Drugs, Other Addictions

Overview

Inhaling substances such as aerosol sprays, gasoline, and other volatile substances to change one’s consciousness has been popular in certain areas and among younger age groups where psychoactive drugs are not readily available. Athletes abuse drugs and other nontraditional substances for competitive advantage as well as for their psychoactive effects. Various other drugs, including the so-called smart drugs are used and abused.

Some people become involved in compulsive nondrug behaviors for many of the same reasons they abuse psychoactive drugs—to change their mood, forget problems, get a rush, and self-medicate. These behaviors include compulsive gambling and shopping, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder), sexual addiction, and Internet addiction.