Addiction

Addiction historically has been defined with regard solely to psychoactive substances which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the chemical milieu of the brain. Many people, both psychology professionals and laymen, now feel that there should be accommodation made to include psychological dependency on such things as gambling, food, sex, pornography, computers, video games, internet and more, so these behaviors count as 'addictions' as well. According to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), substance dependence is defined as:
"When an individual persists in use of alcohol or other drugs despite problems related to use of the substance, substance dependence may be diagnosed. Compulsive and repetitive use may result in tolerance to the effect of the drug and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped.”

Alcohol Outlet Density

Alcohol Outlet Density research has shown that neighborhoods where bars, restaurants, liquor and other stores that sell alcohol are close together, suffer more frequent incidences of violence and other alcohol–related problems.

Alcoholic Beverage

Alcoholic Beverage is a drink containing ethanol (commonly called alcohol). Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines and spirits. Alcohol is a psychoactive drug that has a depressant effect. A high blood alcohol content is usually considered to be legal drunkenness because it reduces attention and slows reaction speed. Alcoholic beverages can be addictive, and the state of addiction to alcohol is known as alcoholism.

Alcoholic Beverage Establishment (ABE) Use Permit Ordinance

Alcoholic Beverage Establishment (ABE) Use Permit Ordinance addresses concerns residents have regarding alcohol sales in the city of Ventura by giving the city local control to assist with public health and safety issues. The regulations and standards of this ordinance are intended to reduce problems associated with the operation of an ABE.

Alcoholic Energy Drinks

Alcoholic Energy Drinks are prepackaged beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants and are the newest entries into the world of alcoholic beverages.

Beer Pong

Beer Pong is a drinking game in which players throw a ping-pong ball across a table with the intent of landing the ball in a cup of beer on the other end. They game consists of two-to- four player teams and multiple cups set up on each side set up in a triangle formation. The losing team must drink all the beer remaining in the winning team’s cups. Beer Pong is popular at parties, colleges and universities, sporting events and more. It is also played by high school students.

Binge Drinking

Binge Drinking is the modern definition of drinking alcoholic beverages with the primary intention of becoming intoxicated by heavy consumption of alcohol over a short period of time. Or alternatively, a consistent amount of alcohol over a long period of time.

Deemed Approved Ordinances

Deemed Approved Ordinances exercise authority over establishments by issuing “deemed approved” permits and establishing “public nuisance standards” that pre-existing retailers must abide by in order to maintain their permit. The standards are monitored by the city through enforcement and education program which is paid for by a fee on the deemed approved outlets. The standards do not directly regulate the sale of alcohol, but rather address land use and public safety issues associated with alcohol sales, such as loitering, increased police calls, noise, graffiti, and drug sales.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol or other drugs is the act of operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or other drugs. Since 2002, it has been illegal in all 50 US states to drive with a blood alcohol level (BAC) that is 0.08% or higher.

Drug Abuse Prevention

Drug Abuse Prevention is a process that attempts to prevent the onset of substance use or limit the development of problems associated with using psychoactive substances. Prevention efforts may focus on the individual or their surroundings. A concept known as "environmental prevention" focuses on changing community conditions or policies so that the availability of substances is reduced as well as the demand.