Addiction (SC'20)

Written by Steve Tremblay

There are many herbs, medicines and drugs in Theria with a variety of side effects ranging from a mild itch to enhanced magical abilities. One thing that almost all share is a level of addiction for the frequent user.
Whether it is the healing properties of herbs and potions, relief from nausea or pain or the wild-eyed excitement of Yaro, the addiction is usually to the result, not the actual herb or drug. Sometimes however, the addiction is to the ability to breathe and continue to live.
As an example, Bloodroot by itself is not addictive and has only the most vague use as a medicine but when mixed with several other ingredients: crushed, mixed and snorted, it can slow down a form of lung rot to add years to someones life. This combination also fills the user with a rush of power, both physical and magical and sometimes completely out of the user's control. Poor decision making, impulsivity and violence are also side effects making addiction to this particular drug very dangerous for the user and those who choose to associate with them.
Mental addiction is normally limited to drugs mixed from a variety of sources. Yaro, which shuts off pain inhibitors and is used by slavers to train fighting slaves and Brain Juice, alleged to make a user 'more intelligent' are very addictive. When the effects wear off, the users are drawn to get them back creating a toxic circle of use.
The physical side of addiction to the many remedies in Theria is for the calming effects of drugs like Black Grass or the relief of chronic pain from Oranash. For these users, being able to function in society is a high priority and the stigma of an addiction would do nothing for the anxiety or pressure they already feel.
**Other side effects may include: constipation, skin rash, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, nausea, abnormal heart rhythms, internal bleeding, death.
Consult a healer (or necromancer) if you have any of these symptoms.