Addictions: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Addictions are characterized by a repeated inability to control behavior despite awareness of its negative consequences. They can involve legal and regulated substances, such as tobacco and alcohol, or illegal substances, such as cannabis, cocaine, or LSD. There are also behavioral addictions, such as gambling addiction.

Symptoms

Substance addiction severely affects the central nervous system, disrupting mood, consciousness, and motor skills. The physical and psychological symptoms vary and may include dizziness, insomnia, nausea, panic attacks, anxiety, and emotional instability. Sometimes, addictions reveal or worsen underlying psychiatric disorders.

Dependency Factors

Dependency can be influenced by many factors, both environmental and individual. Key elements to consider include the age of first use, education level, socio-economic situation, or work-related stress. Specific professional circumstances, such as irregular hours, security positions, or repetitive activities, can also increase the risk of addiction. Other factors include consumption habits related to company culture, business meals, or regular social gatherings with colleagues. Difficult working conditions, such as outdoor work, heavy lifting, or long commutes, can also play a role in the development of addictions.

Addiction Treatment

The treatment of addictions relies on a comprehensive approach combining prevention, risk reduction, and medico-psycho-social care. Preventive actions include educational programs, awareness campaigns, and specialized consultations. The prevention of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis, is also part of the associated measures. Care, Support, and Prevention Centers for Addiction (CSAPAs) play a key role in managing addictions. They offer medical, psychological, social, and educational support, including detoxification, prescription, and follow-up of medical treatments, such as opioid agonist treatments. The goal of medicinal treatments is to help dependent individuals break free from their addiction and reduce the risks associated with the consumption of psychoactive substances.