When we hear the word “addiction,” we generally think that it is a problem with alcohol and drug use, but these addictive behaviors go much deeper. Addictions are psychological and medical diseases that occur more frequently than is usually thought. In 2021, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, published a report reporting that 36 million people around the world suffer from addictions. Although the percentage is very high, there are still many stereotypes and stigmas about this serious condition.
It is important to understand what defines an addiction and what it implies from an emotional, mental, physical and social point of view. Addiction has a biological and psychological basis, and is accompanied by compulsive behaviors of one or more behaviors. The best-known addictions are those around alcohol and drugs, but it is important to recognize that these can also be behavioral, such as, for example, dependence on the internet, social networks, shopping, sex, food, destructive relationships, gambling, etc. .
There are a wide variety of characteristics, personal and social circumstances that can lead a person to develop an addiction. The causes of addictions vary from person to person and can be a very complex concept to understand. People of different ages, economic levels, cultures, or sexes can develop addictions. These disorders do not discriminate! Factors such as mental health problems, family history, isolation and social pressure, lack of family participation, traumatic experiences, environmental factors and behavioral or impulse control problems, among others, can increase the likelihood that a person will develop an addiction.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the use of alcohol, drugs and other addictive behaviors. Certain addictions have not only become more common in our society, but are now more accepted and normalized, including alcoholism, smoking, marijuana use, and compulsive gambling. Addictions cause different effects on the body, mentally, physically and socially. At first they may produce feelings of pleasure, excitement or relaxation. For this same reason, many people develop dependency and end up living in a state of denial, ignoring the devastating consequences they bring.
Addictions affect a person's physical and mental health, and also have social consequences. The addicted person experiences isolation that can break family or social ties, and can even complicate work life. Additions can cause cardiovascular problems, infections such as hepatitis B, insomnia, pancreatitis and immunological or nutritional weaknesses. In the long term they can also cause paranoia, anxiety, agitation, memory loss, low self-esteem and depression.
Whether you are addicted or not, the first step is to ask for help. Psychology and medicine have found different tools and support to support and heal this serious problem. Likewise, it is important to join forces to raise awareness and thus sensitize the population to start a real fight against this harsh scourge.
Sofia Madrid
Licensed and Master Social Worker
Rutgers University
Clinical Therapist
Center for Discovery
