Bio-Hypo Addiction

Bio-hypos are single-use self-injection devices that inject an engineered serum that has been magically enhanced or altered. The type and purpose of the serum and of the enhancement vary wildly, with effects ranging from minor ability changes to total transmutation to temporary knowledge of new languages.

Transmission & Vectors

Bio-hypo addiction is not contagious and cannot be transmitted.

Causes

Bio-hypo addiction is caused by prolonged use of bio-hypos. Most species can become addicted to bio-hypos through heavy and prolonged use, but certain species and individuals are more susceptible to bio-hypo addiction. Beings that are vulnerable to addiction rarely become addicted to bio-hypos after taking a few doses, but prolonged use in these individuals results in addiction much sooner than in most others.

Symptoms

The early stages of bio-hypo addiction present as an increased desire to use bio-hypos, even bio-hypos with effects that do not help the user, and to use bio-hypos in situations in which they are detrimental. Irritability, sleeplessness, fever or chills, reduced magical capability, shorter attention span, headaches, anxiety, emotional disturbances, joint pain, muscle weakness, and minor confusion are possible symptoms of early stage bio-hypo addiction. These symptoms tend to be temporarily alleviated by bio-hypo use. The symptoms of the later stages of addiction include the symptoms of the early stages, but with increased severity, and others, including loss of magical ability and/or uncontrolled magical outbursts, fits of rage, depression, seizures, and other serious conditions based on the types of bio-hypo used. Bio-hypo addiction sometimes leads to suicide.

Epidemiology

In vulnerable communities with large populations of beings susceptible to addiction, bio-hypo addiction is still uncommon unless there is a large supply of bio-hypos and the population has the means to buy them and the need to use them. It is sometimes prevalent in military units, mercenary groups, militias, and the like, especially if they are stationed or fighting in a region in which magic and technology are both advanced.

History

Bio-hypo addiction has existed for as long as bio-hypos.

Cultural Reception

Most people are unaware of bio-hypo addiction. Those that have heard of it tend to think of it as a soldiers' issue.

Type

Physiological

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare