Addictive behaviors, whether related or not with substances, are growing challenge in for our society. They not only affect the patients themselves, but also their families, friends, professional and social relationships, and the communities in which they live. When we think of addiction, the most common image is that of dependence on substances such as alcohol or drugs. However, addictology encompasses a much broader range of behaviors . An addictive behavior, addiction or dependence is a chronic brain disease characterized by the compulsive search and use of a substance or behavior that may result in immediate pleasure, but which, as a rule, has negative consequences. Thus, in addition to substances, such as alcohol, illicit drugs, medications or tobacco, there are also non-substance addictions, which are equally devastating. Non-substance addictions include, for example: Addiction to gambling/betting (pathological gambling), in which there is a compulsion to gamble, even when there are significant losses and a negative impact on life; Screen addiction , in which excessive and uncontrollable use of electronic devices such as game consoles, smartphones, or other devices for accessing the internet and social networks, leads to social isolation and impairment of daily activities. Addictive behaviors and other diseases One of the most important aspects to understand addictions is t heir frequent association with other health conditions, known as comorbidities. Patients and families of patients who have addictive behaviors often identify these connections that make the recovery process even more complex. The most frequently identified comorbidities include: Anxiety and depression are the most common comorbidities in people who suffer from addictions. Many people use addictive substances or behaviors as a way to deal with feelings of sadness, emptiness, or nervousness. On the other hand, addiction can aggravate or trigger depressive and anxious conditions, including through the direct action of the substance (for example, through the depressant action of alcohol or heroin). Bipolar disorder is also a common comorbidity , with addiction acting as an attempt to self-medicate or regulate mood fluctuations. Characteristics of certain personality disorders can also predispose to the development of addictions and vice versa, creating a vicious cycle. Previous traumatic experiences are a significant risk factor for the development of addictive behaviors, which can be used as an escape or coping mechanism. People who suffer from chronic pain problems can develop dependence on analgesic medications , making pain management an additional challenge in addiction treatment. A common denominator in many addictive behaviors is the difficulty in dealing with intense emotions , which leads to the search for immediate relief through the substance or behavior. The importance of a multidisciplinary and specialized approach Addictive behaviors are complex conditions and benefit from a multidisciplinary and specialized medical approach. The frequent presence of comorbidities reinforces this need. Treating an addiction alone without considering the underlying conditions makes it difficult to control the behavior or may lead to less effective relapse prevention. In the area of addictive behaviors, Hospital da Luz provides: Comprehensive assessment , with in-depth analysis of the patient's history, including patterns of use, comorbidities and impact on life. Individualized treatment plan , adapted to the specific needs of each person, which may include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and family support. A multidisciplinary and specialized team , including doctors and other health professionals trained and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of addictive behaviors. Continuous monitoring , providing support throughout the recovery process, from detoxification to maintaining abstinence and preventing relapses. If you are facing challenges related to possible addictive behaviors and dependencies, remember that you are not alone and seek help. Author : Ricardo Vieira da Silva (General and Family Medicine) Meet the General and Family Medicine clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
