Addictions

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an addiction is a physical and psycho-emotional disease that creates dependency or a need for a substance, activity, or relationship. It is characterized by a set of signs and symptoms involving biological, genetic, psychological, and social factors.

Based on their origin, addictions are classified into three major groups:

• Substance addictions: These create the need to consume harmful chemical substances. The most notable are addiction to alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and drugs (marijuana, cocaine, heroin, designer drugs, or psychotropic medications).
• Behavioral addictions: These are more difficult to detect and quit, as they involve an inability to stop doing something that, in some cases, is socially acceptable. The most common are addiction to work, sex, gambling, or shopping.
• Emotional addictions: These cause an absolute dependence on a person with whom one has an emotional relationship.

Addictions develop gradually from the first contact with the substance or triggering action. When they worsen, they can lead to serious physical and mental problems, making it essential to pay attention to warning signs to detect them in time.

Symptoms

Each type of addiction has its own specific symptoms. However, some symptoms are common to all:

• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Obsession
• Neglect of personal care
• Insomnia
• Sadness
• Excessive worry
• Self-deception
• Loss of control
• Mood swings
• Discomfort or rejection of the addiction
• Desire to quit but inability to do so

Causes

Today, it is known that multiple interrelated factors contribute to the development of an addiction:

• Genetic factors. A fundamental factor is a person’s genetics. The strongest evidence exists for alcohol addiction, where it is estimated that up to 50% of a person’s vulnerability to developing the disease is genetic in origin.
• Environmental factors. The environmental stimuli a person is exposed to throughout life also play a crucial role. For example, the earlier a person starts using a drug and the higher the quantity consumed, the greater the risk of developing an addiction. The method of drug administration also matters: routes that lead to a higher and faster concentration in the bloodstream, such as intravenous use, carry a greater risk.
• Personality. Certain personality traits also increase the risk of developing an addictive disorder, such as impulsivity or a tendency to seek new sensations.
• Mental illness. The presence of a mental disorder also raises the risk of developing an addiction.
• Social factors. Social circumstances play a significant role in addiction development. The more accessible and affordable a drug is, the more widespread its use and the more addicts it creates. If, in addition, its advertisement is allowed (as is the case with alcohol and tobacco), the problem becomes even greater.

Risk Factors

Although anyone can develop an addiction, some factors significantly increase the likelihood, such as:

• Family history of addiction
• Mental health disorders
• Difficulty controlling impulses
• Environmental factors, such as early access to prohibited substances

Complications

In addition to preventing a person from leading a normal life, addictions can cause severe health problems, including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, strokes, HIV, and mental health disorders.

Prevention

The entire society must be involved in addiction prevention efforts. From an early age, children should be educated about the risks of consuming harmful substances or engaging in certain behaviors.

In addition to tailoring information to each age group to help them perceive the dangers, it is essential to foster their self-esteem, encourage open communication within the family and at school, reinforce good behavior, and monitor both their activities and social relationships.

What doctor treats addictions?

Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists diagnose and treat addiction disorders.