From the
Larry Niven Known Space universe. Current stimulation is the direct stimulation of the brain's pleasure centers via
induction or via an ultrafine wire running from the top of the skull to the various regions of the brain. This often results in
current addiction. Current addicts become obbsessed with finding time to go back to their fix, and those who are "cured" often exhibit
depression, and or general lack of interest in life. Current addicts are reviled and or pitied.
One of the more interesting anecdotes about current addiction, from the Flatlander short stories, was the tale of a murder. A man was forced into current addiction against his will, with MUCH stronger than normal dosages. His addiction was so strong that he was unable to leave the stimulation helmut long enough to move across the room to feed himself.