The new addictions
Humanity’s relationship with addiction evolves over time, with each generation’s own peculiar habits defining their age. And while research suggests that today’s young people are less likely to smoke or drink, new technologies mean that addictions have merely shape shifted — often under the high-tech guise of captivating video games or compulsive social media. In this special series, The Day delves into the world of these new addictions…
Stories
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Health warning over ‘inverted hallucinations’
Is there a deadly new plague sweeping through rich societies? Tomorrow, a leading psychologist will warn of the public health threat caused by lack of awareness of what is before our eyes.
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Xanax plague leaves teens ‘dicing with death’
How to fix the Xanax crisis? A BBC report has found that misuse of the drug has led to more than 200 deaths since 2015. Teenagers are particularly...
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Sugar named the world’s most popular drug
Should sugar be treated like a drug? A new study has cast light on English children’s shocking sugar intake. Like many harmful drugs, the substance seems addictive and even changes the brain…
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Thousands of children in gambling epidemic
How should we tackle the problem? The number of children with a gambling problem is surging, with thousands at risk. Advertising, social media, and even video games have been blamed.
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Official! Gaming addiction is mental illness
Is the World Health Organisation right? It has made “gaming disorder” an official mental illness. While fun for some, excessive gaming can tear lives apart — and the solution is unclear.
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Adult content, online addiction and UK Sex-Ed
How can the internet be made safer? As new laws made to protect children from graphic websites are put on hold, The Day speaks to the NSPCC about...
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‘I must check everything, I must be updated’
How serious is social media addiction? With reports of teens dangerously hooked on sites like Instagram and Snapchat, researchers are racing to discover how addictive social media really is.
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Students in ‘dangerous world’ of smart drugs
What should we do about smart drugs? University students are risking their health by using potent prescription pills to boost their grades. Now the worrying trend is seeping into schools.
