Drug abuse and addiction

Drug abuse and addiction Abstract Drug abuse and addiction is a common problem in the world and is everywhere you look. With this disorder so common, the truth is shed on the misconceptions that people have about drug abuse and addiction. This paper provides a brief overview of drug abuse and addiction, while also looking at the aspects of epidemiology, pathophysiology, social problems, and ethical problems that might present with emergency medical responders. Addiction and abuse; what does it mean; who does it affect? Addiction and abuse are often confused with each other. Abuse occurs whenever a substance is used usually alcohol or illicit drugs while on the other hand addiction can occur in a wide variety activities and substances. Addiction is defined as compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly: persistent use compulsive of a substance known by the user to be harmful. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction) Addiction is not always a habit-forming substances, it can also include such things as sex, gambling, video games, or even the internet. Even so, the main focus of society is still on drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Some characteristics of the epidemiology and pathophysiology will be discussed along with the social impacts that addiction may cause and any ethical issues that mig ht be found with addiction and emergency medical service providers. The study of addictive behavior is relatively young. According to Dr. Volkhow (2010) science only began to study addictive behavior in the 1930s. Before this, scientists that were studying drug abuse were plagued with shadows of misconceptions and myths of the nature of addiction. But with the discoveries today and with the information of how chemicals work in the brain and the ways it alters it there is a better understanding of drug and alcohol addiction. According to Dr. Dryden-Edwards (n.d.) Drug addiction, also called substance dependence or chemical dependency, is a disease that is characterized by a destructive pattern of drug abuse that leads to significant problems involving tolerance to or withdrawal from the substance, as well as other problems that use of the substance can cause for the sufferer, either socially or in terms of their work or school performance. More than 2.6% of people suffer from drug addiction at some time in their life. (http://www.medicinenet.com/drug_ abuse/article.htm) Common substances that are abused and that become addicting are alcohol, amphetamines, anabolic steroids, caffeine, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opiates, phencyclidine, as well as sedative, hypnotic, or anti-anxiety drugs. Though drug and alcohol addiction is considered a mental- health problem, there is no single cause that can be determined. Though some people believe that abuse and addiction is a genetic disease, this is false. There is a predisposition to develop the drug dependency due to ones environment. Epidemiology: The social risk factors for drug abuse and addiction include the male gender, being between that age eighteen and forty four, persons of Native-American heritage, lower socioeconomic status, and unmarried marital status. According to state statistics residents of the western United States are more susceptible to substance abuse and dependency. While men are more prone to developing alcoholism, women seem to be much more vulnerable to alcoholism at much lower amount of alcohol consumption, due to lower average body mass that males. (Dryden-Edwards, n.d.) The combined medical, economic, criminal, and social impact costs Americans upwards of half a trillion dollars a year. Every year abuse of drugs and alcohol contributes to the deaths of 100,000 Americans, with tobacco contributing to an estimated 440,000 deaths per year. People of all ages suffer the harmful consequences of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Babies can be affected while still in the mothers womb if she is to use dr ugs or alcohol, which will cause birth defects and slow the intellectual development in their later life. Adolescents often act out, perform poorly in school and often drop out if they are abusing drugs. They are more at risk or unplanned pregnancies, infectious diseases, and violence. Adults and parents are also affected, often clouding their cognitive abilities. With all of the exposure, the stage is set for the next generation to step right in to the addictive lifestyle. Pathophysiology: Addiction mainly affects the brain, but affects cascade throughout a persons organ systems. Drugs and mind altering substances that can be abused target the bodys natural reward system either purposefully or unintentionally causing over all euphoric effects for the user. These effects come from the dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates movement, cognition, emotion, feelings of pleasure, and motivation. Dopamine is released naturally to reward the body for natural behaviors and initiates a cycle to repeat the behavior. The dopamine neurotransmitter floods the reward system that is usually secreted in limited amounts from routine actions such as eating or even sex. The brain views this as a life-sustaining activity due to the reward system being activated. When the chemical substance is introduced into a persons system and the euphoric effects are achieved, the individuals brain makes a note that some important event is happening and it teaches itself to do this action a gain and again as a force of habit. (Volkhow 2010) The taking of an illicit drug can cause a person to act on impulse when the reasons system of the brain would delay or prevent an action. This system is bypassed, leading to an undesired activity that can potentially have a negative consequence on the users life. Though some of the effects of drugs and chemical substances are euphoric at times, other times the substance can cause paranoia, depression, and suicidal thoughts. (Dryden-Edwards n.d.) If use of the drug continues, the brain becomes acclimated to the influx of dopamine in the reward system. This leads to the reduction of release of dopamine and the number of dopamine receptors in the system itself. This in turn affects the users ability to achieve the desired effects of the used drug. This response by the individuals brain causes them to try to reactivate the receptors by increasing the amount or dosage of the drug to achieve the same dopamine high. This effect is known as a tolerance. With long-term abuse of a drug, changes occur to other systems in the brain. The neurotransmitter glutamate which also is part of the reward systems can be altered which causes an inability to learn. When the optimal level of glutamate is off balance the brain attempts to compensate, which in turn affects the users cognitive function. (NIDA 2011) When the brain has become accustomed to the effect of the drug, dependence is formed and cessation of the drug abuse will cause an event referred to as withdrawal. While most symptoms of withdrawal are at most uncomfortable for an addict, there are also some serious symptoms that can include tonic-clonic seizures, myocardial infarction, stroke, hallucinations, and delirium tremens. (Melemis 2011) Social, Ethical Issues and The Impact on EMS: The consequences of addiction and abuse are evident in a persons social life. The destructive behavior of addiction affects everything from work to their personal life, even from the beginning of the abuse. The signs of addiction from the physical stand point include a changing of sleeping habits and changes in eating habits, which contribute to both weight loss and weight gain. Recurrent drug abuse leads to the lack of meeting important obligations at home, school, or work. (Dryden-Edwards) Other affects of addiction can include family disintegration, domestic violence, child abuse, failure in school, and loss of employment. Subjects with addictions tend to be risk takers and thrill seekers. With the changes in the reward system of the brain, the subject expects a positive reaction before they take a substance which satisfies their need for risk or thrills. Impulse control is hard when their drug of choice is around people with addiction. This feeds the addiction even more. (Nash J ohnson, 2007) The impact on the emergency medical services is immeasurable. The calls caused by addiction can vary from trauma to a medical overdose. The role of the emergency medical provider in calls for an overdose patient requires the paramedic to find out what and how much the patient took, and what the proper medication is to reverse the condition that the patient is currently experiencing. Along with the calls comes the danger. With possible violent outbreaks by addicts, the paramedic has to be aware of his or her surroundings while trying to calm the patient. Patients experiencing withdrawals can hallucinate an entire event and incorporate the paramedic in it, causing the patient to become violent towards their care provider. Addiction is a very dangerous condition and can be considered a psychiatric problem, which needs to be treated with a certain diligence and suspicion. In the realm of EMS the occurrence of calls for addiction are rare since it is not really an emergency situation. The occasion does arise if a patient is experiencing violent symptoms of withdrawal or has overdosed on a substance. The patient could appear to be in an agitated state or even be unconscious. There is no predetermined way to handle a patient experiencing addiction related problems. They main key is to treat the patients symptoms. All patients need to be put on supplemental oxygen via nonrebreather if it can be tolerated. Intravenous access should be obtained with an infusion of normal saline to help flush out the patients system. If the patient is in an agitated state or seizing, a sedative should be administered, such as valium or versed. Beware, with the administration of benzodiazepines the risk of respiratory depression or failure is present. If the patient is experiencing an overdose of an opiate and their breathing is shallow or nonexistent the administration of Na rcan 0.4 to 2 milligrams, but beware to administer this drug slowly and titrate it to where the patient can breathe just enough to sustain life. If airway and breathing problems persist then intubation should be considered to secure the patients airway. Rapid transport with due regard is suggested so that the patient can be evaluated and the hospital staff can begin their detoxification. The world of addiction is harsh and unforgiving if one is not willing to leave it behind. Some people say that addiction is all in the head, and my research verifies this. The affects on the brain from forming a learned habit is rewarded in much the same way such as eating or drinking. The reward system practically gets destroyed by the drugs or substances being used by the influx of neurotransmitters released. With the receptors becoming desensitized, the subject will need to increase the intake of the substance to achieve their high. The repercussions of the abuse and addiction become apparent after time when the violence and compulsiveness takes over. The physical tolls, including depression and illness can be debilitating at times. The only way to decrease drug abuse and addiction is to educate the public. The best prevention is avoidance.

Psychology of Colour

Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5(12): 215-219, 2011 ISSN 1991-8178 Psychology of Colors and Architectural Facade and Interior Color Selection 1 1 Saeid Rahmatabadi, 2Dr. Siavash Teimouri and 3Dr. Feridoun Nahidi Azar 2 Department of Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd Branch, Borujerd, Iran. Department of Architecture Science And Research Branch Islamic Azad University Arak Branch, Arak, Iran. 3 Department of Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar Branch, Shabestar, Iran.Abstract: The first section of this paper discusses many effects that specific colors have on human minds and how they can be applied to interior architecture and design. The focus of this research Pertains specifically to restaurants. Most of this research comes from studies of warm and cool colors. Though they have opposite effects on human minds, combining them can create comfortable atmospheres and settings. The second section of this study is to research the human’ s color selection of the architectural facade.As a result, Ratio of the color selecting has the tendency when surrounding color’s tone and selecting one are same. Degree of consideration in surrounding and Degree of harmony after color selecting have the tendency which is relation in the Saturation. Difficulty in the color selecting is in the brightness. There seems to be a different tendency between light tone and any others in Degree of consideration in surrounding and Satisfaction after color selection. Key words: Color Selecting , Architectural Facade, human mind, warm and cool colors. INTRODUCTIONWhen designing a restaurant, there are many things to consider besides the food that is served there. Customers should be able to enjoy the atmosphere almost as much as they enjoy the food in order for the restaurant to be successful. The flow of the floor plan is important because when a place is too crowded or hard to maneuver, customers may not be as comfortable as they could be. In addition to the floor plan, the colors used on the interior affect the successfulness of a restaurant because they can directly influence a person’s desire to eat. Fig. 1: Warm and Cool Color.In general there are two ways to classify colors, warm and cool. Figure 1 gives a visual description of these two groups and physically separates the two. However, aside from the visual differences, there are psychological traits associated with each group as well. Warm colors are defined as being bold and energetic, and they have the tendency to advance in space. This characteristic has both positive and negative effects because while using them can make something stand out, too much of them can be overwhelming in a sense that it drowns out the other colors. Cool colors are soothing and have a tendency to recede.They are good to use with things that are meant to be located in the background and they can make the space that they are used in seem bigger than it really is. (Nichols on, 2002). Corresponding Author: Saeid Rahmatabadi, Department of Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd Branch, Borujerd, Iran. E-mail: [email  protected] com 215 Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci. , 5(12): 215-219, 2011 Fig. 2: Warm Color. Out of the seven hues that make up our visible range of color, red, orange, yellow, and some shades of green are considered to be the warm colors, as shown in Figure 2.The warm colors cause an increase in heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure because it has a stimulating effect on the nervous system. (Meola, 2005) Due to the size of its wavelength, Red is the most warm color and has the strongest effects on the human mind. It increases enthusiasm, encourages action, and is often associated with desire. The color orange shares some of the same characteristics as red but without the intensity. It stimulates activity, appetite, and encourages socialization. Yellow encourages communication, activates memory, instills optimism and influence s creative thoughts. Nicholson, 2002; Smith, 2008). While warm color can gain the attention of a human mind much quicker than a cool color, the characteristics of cool colors are just as important to consider. Fig. 3: Cool Color. The green, blue, indigo, and violet hues from our visible range of color are considered to be the cool colors, as shown in Figure 3. They have the opposite effect of warm colors and lower the heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure because they affect the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system. (Meola, 2005).The parasympathetic branch opposes physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system by stimulating digestive secretions, slowing the heart, constricting the pupils, and dilates blood vessels. (â€Å"Parasympathetic†). Because green is often associated with nature, it has a soothing, peaceful, and calming effect on the human mind. 216 Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci. , 5(12): 215-219, 2011 It helps to get rid of nervousness and anxiety and brings on a sense of renewal and self-control. Blue and indigo also calm and sedate the mind, but they have a tendency to lower body temperature and reduce appetite.Violet is a balance between the warm nature of red and the cool nature of blue. It causes the mind to feel calm, yet uplifted and inspired through creativity at the same time. (Nicholson, 2002; Smith, 2008). There are a few more â€Å"colors† that don’t exactly fit in the categories of warm or cool. Brown gives people a sense of stability and orderliness. Gray can cause people to feel unsettled. The human mind associates white with cleanliness and mental clarity, while black brings a feeling of emptiness but represents potential and possibility. Nicholson, 2002; Smith, 2008) In combination with the warm and cool colors, these extras can be used to create a well balanced atmosphere that benefits multiple types of people at one time. The mental effects caused by color choices are important to consider wh en designing the interior of a restaurant. Since orange stimulates appetite, it would be a smart idea to some shade of it in the dining area of the restaurant. Brown could act as a good accent color because it would help to create an order and flow within the restaurant. In the kitchen area, yellow would be a smart hoice because there needs to be good communication, coming up with new recipes requires creativity, in any business there are times when optimism is needed, and there is so much going on that a good memory is beneficial. White accents would help because they make the kitchen space seem bigger and maintain and air of stability and cleanliness. In all the areas where high energy and activity is expected, warm colors are ideal to use. Red probably would invoke too much excitement, and things could easily get uncomfortable and out of control.On the other hand, in waiting and bathroom areas people should feel calm and relaxed. This is where the cool colors can be used to count er the effects of the warm colors used in the other areas. The use of different types of colors when going from room to room help in maintaining a flow because people have to transition from one frame of mind to another. If customers are comfortable and excited with anticipation to enjoy the food, then the restaurant will be successful. By choosing the right colors to paint the interior of a restaurant, it is possible to make them feel that way.Architectural Facade color selection: Background: In some areas , there is a guidance of architectural facade color to change the base-color that developers should followed. But the problem is that in the guidance still remained the lack of harmonious color called â€Å"color pollution†. In this section, the fact regarding what emotions a human has against the facade is strongly debatable. The purpose of this study is to research the human’s color selection of the architectural facade. Degree of Consideration in Surrounding (fig 4): †¢ Light tone has a tendency of consideration in favorite ?On the other hand, dark, pale, medium grayish and dark grayish tones have a tendency of consideration in surrounding. Fig. 4: Degree of consideration of Surrounding. Degree of Harmony After Color Selecting (fig 5): ? Light tones have more of a tendency of disharmony than dark, pale, medium grayish and dark grayish tones. 217 Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci. , 5(12): 215-219, 2011 Fig. 5: Degree of harmony after color selecting. Degree of According In Imagination Between Before Color Selecting and The After (fig 6): ?Light and moderate tones have a tendency of discord in imagination in the surrounding color’s tones. Fig. 6: Degree of according in imagination before color selecting and the after. Degree of Difficulty In Color Selecting (fig 7): †¢Dark and dark grayish tones have a tendency of easier color selecting than the rest of surrounding’s Tones. Fig. 7: Degree of difficulty in color selecting. De gree of Satisfaction After Color Selecting (fig 8): †¢ Light tones have more of a tendency of dissatisfaction after color selecting than deep, dark and dark grayish tones. Fig. 8: Degree of satisfaction after color selecting.RESULT AND DISCUSSION our visible range of color, red, orange, yellow, and some shades of green are considered to be the warm colors. The warm colors cause an increase in heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure because it has a 218 Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci. , 5(12): 215-219, 2011 stimulating effect on the nervous system. The green, blue, indigo, and violet hues from our visible range of color are considered to be the cool colors. They have the opposite effect of warm colors and lower the heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure because they affect the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system.As a result of the experiment, when color selecting of architectural facade takes into consideration surroundings, it is expected that chrome relates the e valuation of â€Å"Degree of consideration in surrounding† and â€Å"Degree of harmony after color selecting†, These seem to relate to the previous study to term of saturation being an important factor in the harmony or necessity of legal control and selecting low saturation color for the townscape where it has the composure or feels good sense. It is expected that brightness in each same saturation level relates to the evaluation of â€Å"Difficulty in the color selection†.We need to verify that result in the different experimental condition. It was shown that different tendency between light tone and any others in â€Å"Degree of consideration in surrounding† orâ€Å"Satisfaction after color selection†. REFERENCES Briana Allen, The Effects of Color on the Human Mind, Interior Architecture January 17, 2007. Don Kemp, D R Brasher Design Firm. Inagaki, 2000. A Study on Evaluation of Exterior Colors of Buildings with Effects of Colors of Foreground. Buildings, J. , Archi, Plann, 2000. Environ. Eng. Aij, No. 531: 9-15. Inagaki, 1993.An Experimental Study on Color Evaluation of Townscape Intending for Its Improvement. Archi, J. , Plann, 1993. Environ. Eng. Aij, No. 451: 29-39. Nicholson, Mary, 2002. â€Å"Lesson 8: Warm and Cool Colors. † Graphic Design. Bloomsburg University. 15 Jan. 2008. Meola, Kalyan, V. , 2005. â€Å"The Psychology of Color. † Hohonu. University of Hawaii. At Hilo Hawaii Community College. 17 Dec. 2007. Sakahara, 1999. An Color Choice on an Imagination of Townscape Part 1 ; A Research of a Color Choice with a Color Chart and a Relative Frequency on Top 20 Colors, Journal of the Color Science Association of Japan, 23(4): 225-231.Yosuke Yoshizawa, Haruo Hibino, Shinichi Koyama, 2008. Color Selection of Architectural Facade Taking into Consideration Surrounding Environment in Japan â€Å"Cool and Soothing Colors. † Chart. Lowes. . . . â€Å"Parasympathetic. † Def. 1,2. Dictionary. Co m. 16 Jan. 2008. . Smith, Kate, 2008. â€Å"Color: Meaning, Symbolism & Psychology. † Squidoo. Jan. 2008 . â€Å"Warm and Cozy Colors, 2008. † Chart. Lowes. . â€Å"Warn and Cool Colors, 2008. † Chart. 219

The construction of financial supervision system under Greek debt crisis Essay

Introduction The financial crisis and the Greek sovereign debt crisis have accelerated the innovation and construction of EU financial supervision system. This report is analyzing the cause of Greek sovereign debt crisis on the basis of the domestic factors, the international factors and EU factors. Moreover, it illustrates the construction of financial regulatory system of EU based on the level of macro and micro. The macro level has a European systemic risk council; the micro level has a secondary European financial regulatory system which is constituted by EU and member states. The EU also has emergency mechanism on the stage, such as, The European financial stabilization mechanism and The European financial stability facility and associated with a series of regulatory measures. The emergency instrument and institutional measures launched by The Greek crisis and the European Union have provided experience and lessons for worldwide in response to the global financial crisis around the world. Causes The Greek economy was one of the fastest growing in the euro zone during the 2000s. The government of Greece run large deficits due to a strong economy and falling bond yield. Debt to GDP has remained above 100% since the introduction of the EURO. The global financial crisis in 2008 makes the Greek economy suffer a severe setback and the global financial crisis reveals its weak financial situation from two aspects. First, the economy structure of Greece is relatively single, which means the growth of its economy is instable. Second, the debt investment strategies of National Bank have produces a great burden to the Greek economy. However, the global financial crisis just pushed the exposing of the financial problem of Greece and the country overspent and failed to tell to the European Union the actual size of its ballooning deficit are the primary cause. Furthermore, the European Union also did not review the figures sent in by Athens properly. Long term solutions The Greek sovereign debt crisis stimulated the process of the form of EU financial regulatory system. The explosion of U.S. financial crisis has made Europeans understand that the European financial regulatory did not consist with the market integration process. The leaders of European Union have made significant strategies for ensuring fiscal stability in the long term. Currently, in order to avoid a possible domino effect caused by Greek crisis and to avoid a weak euro, the member state of the European Union, on the one hand, require that the Greece itself must cut spending on a wide range, on the other hand, the member state ask to speed the reform of EU financial market up and strengthen the financial regulatory system on the level of European Union and its members. In order to establish financial regulatory system and its associated measures, there are three primary aspects to focus on: first, the financial regulation of the EU members, strictly control and limit the problem of debt overweight. Second, it is necessary to strengthen financial supervision to prevent the speculation by speculators. Third, it is crucial to solve the institutional structure problem of Euro itself. These three must collaborate and communication with each other. Financial regulatory institution In order to strengthen European financial regulatory reform, the EU commission proposed to establish â€Å"European Systemic Risk Council† on the macro level and â€Å"European System of Financial Supervision† on the micro level. The main responsibilities are: establishing regulatory policy at the macro level and conveying to European regulatory bureau or providing early stage risk warning; to compare the observation of the development of macroeconomic and to propose dominant policy in correspond to the change of the supervision. For instance, responsible for collecting〠 analysing financial stability information, publishing risk warning, to take overall regional action when one country has encountered difficulty and hardly deal with it. It aim to solve a major drawback which is exposed by the financial crisis, the financial system is helpless when the systematic risk is complex, associated and between department and cross – department. Emergency system in phase In order to solve the Greek crisis, the EU and its members use emergency  relief instrument to manage debt crisis. The main emergency systems in stage are: establishing â€Å"European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism† and â€Å"European Financial Stability Facility†. Above all, all the instruments and measures are to ensure that the union is able to deal with the debt crisis and also to ensure such crisis will not happen in the future. My comments I would like to make a comment on the European problem of the Greek crisis. It seems that the Greek government is unable to deal with its budget and is incapable to reduce public spending and increase tax revenues. Since the introduction of the EURO, the financial situation is worsened every year. In my opinion, as Greek crisis has become a European one, i do believe Europe is taking fundamental economic reforms which are necessary to copy with the imbalance of the Greek financial crisis. Conclusion As mentioned above, the Greek crisis and the institutional measures introduced by the EU have provided significant experience for worldwide in dealing with the global financial crisis. First, all crisis has its latency and incentives, it is important to prevent the source in order to prevent the financial crisis and the sovereign debt crisis. Second, the financial crisis and the sovereign debt crisis have brought an opportunity to the reform of the world monetary system and the financial system, it also a challenge for the leading position of US dollar. From the development of the European integration process, each crisis has pushed the innovation and improvement of the system of EU in the past and lead to European integration ultimately. The development of the European integration could say that is a process of overcoming the crisis constantly and innovation of system continuously. References Antonis Antoniadis, 2010. Debt Crisis as a Global Emergency: The European Economic Constitution and Other Greek Fables Dell’Ariccia, Giovanni & Detragiache, Enrica & Rajan, Raghuram, 2008. â€Å"The real effect of banking crises,† Matthew Lynn, 2010. Bust: Greece, the Euro and the Sovereign Debt Crisis Martin Feldstein, 2011. Greek default is just a matter of when, not if. In: Financial Times. (24.06.11)

Annie Besant Ministers Wife to Atheist to Theosophist

Known for: Â  Annie Besant is known for her early work in atheism, freethought and birthcontrol, and for her later work in the Theosophy movement. Dates: October 1, 1847 – September 20, 1933 Never forget that life can only be nobly inspired and rightly lived if you take it bravely and gallantly, as a splendid adventure in which you are setting out into an unknown country, to meet many a joy, to find many a comrade, to win and lose many a battle. (Annie Besant) Heres a woman whose unorthodox religious views included first atheism and freethought and later theosophy: Annie Besant. Born Annie Wood, her middle class childhood was marked by economic struggle. Her father died when she was five, and her mother couldnt make ends meet. Friends paid for the education of Annies brother; Annie was educated at a home school run by a friend of her mothers. At 19, Annie married the young Rev. Frank Besant, and within four years they had a daughter and a son. Annies views began to change. She tells in her autobiography that in her role as ministers wife she tried to help her husbands parishioners who were in need, but she came to believe that to alleviate poverty and suffering, deeper social changes were needed beyond immediate service. Her religious views began to change, too. When Annie Besant refused to attend communion, her husband ordered her out of their home. They were legally separated, with Frank retaining custody of their son. Annie and her daughter went to London, where Annie soon broke away completely from Christianity, became a freethinker and atheist, and in 1874 joined the Secular Society. Soon, Annie Besant was working for the radical paper, National Reformer, whose editor Charles Bradlaugh was also a leader in the secular (non-religious) movement in England. Together Bradlaugh and Besant wrote a book advocating birth control, which got them a 6-month prison term for obscene libel. The sentence was overturned on appeal, and Besant wrote another book advocating birth control, The Laws of Population. Publicity denouncing this book led Besants husband to seek and gain custody of their daughter. During the 1880s Annie Besant continued her activism. She spoke and wrote against unhealthy industrial conditions and low wages for young factory women, in 1888 leading the Match Girls Strike. She worked as an elected member of the London School Board for free meals for poor children. She was in demand as a speaker for womens rights, and continued to work for legalization and more available information on birth control. She earned a science degree from London University. And she continued to speak and write defending freethought and atheism and criticizing Christianity. One pamphlet she wrote, in 1887 with Charles Bradlaugh, Why I Do Not Believe in God was widely distributed by the secularists and is still considered one of the best summaries of arguments defending atheism. In 1887 Annie Besant converted to Theosophy after meeting Madame Blavatsky, a spiritualist who in 1875 had founded the Theosophical Society. Besant quickly applied her skills, energy and enthusiasm to this new religious cause. Madame Blavatsky died in 1891 at Besants home. The Theosophical Society was split into two branches, with Besant as President of one branch. She was a popular writer and speaker for Theosophy. She often collaborated with Charles Webster Leadbeater in her theosophical writings. Annie Besant moved to India to study Hindu ideas (karma, reincarnation, nirvana) which were foundational to Theosophy. Her Theosophical ideas also brought her to work on behalf of vegetarianism. She returned often to speak for Theosophy or for social reform, remaining active in the British suffrage movement and an important speaker for womens suffrage. In India, where her daughter and son came to live with her, she worked for Indian Home Rule and was interned during World War I for that activism. She lived in India until her death in Madras in 1933. A heretic who gave little care to what people thought of her, Annie Besant risked much for her ideas and passionate commitments. From mainline Christianity as a pastors wife, to radical freethinker, atheist, and social reformer, to Theosophist lecturer and writer, Annie Besant applied her compassion and her logical thinking to the problems of her day, and especially to the problems of women. More information: Annie BesantAnnie BesantVictorian Webs collection on Annie BesantAnnie Besant on Vegetarianism Madame Blavatsky (H. P. Blavatsky)a rejoinder from the President of the Theosophical Society to material on the Victorian Web about Madame Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society About this article: Author: Jone Johnson LewisTitle: Annie Besant, HereticThis URL: http://womenshistory.about.com/od/freethought/a/annie_besant.htm