Drug addiction or drug addiction is a chronic disorder that manifests itself as frequent consumption of any type of drug (natural or synthetic compounds). It is considered an addiction because it is difficult to stop consuming and maintain abstinence. The person intensely desires to consume substances and loses impulse control. He also has difficulties recognizing the consequences of consumption. Drug use acts on the nervous system, modifying the functioning and structure of the brain that regulates thoughts, emotions, and behavior and causes dangerous behaviors.
Substance-related disorders encompass ten different classes of drugs: alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, opiates, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, stimulants (amphetamine, cocaine, and other stimulants), tobacco, and other substances. These ten classes are not radically different from each other. Any drug consumed in excess causes direct activation of the brain’s reward system that participates in the reinforcement of behaviors and the production of memories. They cause such intense activation of the reward system that normal activities are ignored.
In addition to substance-related disorders, there is also pathological gambling, which reflects evidence that gambling behaviors activate reward systems similar to those activated by drugs, producing some behavioral symptoms similar to substance use disorders. substances.
Substance-related disorders include substance use disorders and substance-induced disorders. Among the latter are intoxication, withdrawal, and other mental disorders.
Addictions Treatment
Addiction problems are treated with different types of therapy or treatment depending on the individual and personal variables of the subject suffering from this condition. The variables can be genetic, that is, people with a greater predisposition or with a history of consumption in the family. Also, the age or stage of development in which it is exposed to the substances. There are environmental factors, such as the type of family (eg dysfunctional). The type of personality and the consumption of more than one substance. The frequency of substance use or addictive behavior such as physical exercise or the use of digital devices is a key factor.
Family therapy, psychological treatment: Addiction problems are treated with different types of therapy or treatment. Individual therapy should be used with psychotherapy, behavioral therapy (BT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), by the specialized clinical psychologist. Family therapy or systemic therapy may be used, by a family psychologist whether or not the family is involved in substance use. Psychoeducation is important. Also, in many cases group therapy is advisable and in more severe cases possible residential treatment in a community should be evaluated.
Medical treatment: When faced with significant, moderate, or severe addiction problems, these are treated with psychotropic drugs, which are prescribed and controlled by a doctor, especially by the child-adolescent psychiatrist and/or child-adolescent neurologist. Be it individual therapy, family therapy and group therapy and psycho pharmacotherapy, they must always be carried out simultaneously for the treatment of addictions or substance abuse to be effective.