Archives 2009

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
  
  Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus is usually contracted through sexual contact, intravenous needle sharing, maternal transmission to newborns, or transfusion of contaminated blood products. AIDS is now considered the worst plague in human history. The United Nations estimates that more than 16,000 new victims are infected everyday.[1] The United States has one of the largest epidemics in the world.
• Addiction
  
  Addiction is generally defined as a physical or psychological dependence on a substance, especially alcohol or other drugs, with use of increasing amounts.[1] For the sake of clarification, physical addiction is covered separately from psychological dependence on this website. (See also the section titled Dependence.) Scientific research on cannabinoid compounds has not demonstrated a strong association with biochemical addiction.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  
  Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease that destroys both upper and lower motor neurons, ultimately causing death, typically from respiratory failure. The vast majority of ALS is acquired and occurs sporadically. There is not yet a known cure for ALS.