Published: 15 October 2012
The dependent behavior is a form of deviation gating behavior with the formation of desire to escape from the reality by artificially changing their mental state by taking the certain substances or the permanent fixation of attention on the certain types of activities, which focused on the development and maintenance of intense emotions. The criteria and models of addictive behavior and its age specificity are described. It is proved that the dependent behavior leads to the social and psychological maladjustment of the individual and has a pronounced age-appropriate. The main prevention directions of addictive behavior were proved.