Addiktion

Addiktion, commonly referred to as addiction in standard English, is a chronic, relapsing condition characterized by compulsive engagement with a substance or behavior despite negative consequences. The term addiktion is sometimes encountered as an alternate spelling or transliteration in non-medical or regional contexts, but clinically the focus is on addiction, substance use disorders, or behavioral addictions.

Substance addictions involve a dependence on drugs such as alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, or nicotine, among others. Behavioral addictions include compulsive activities like gambling, internet use, gaming, sex, shopping, or work. In diagnostic frameworks, substance use disorders are defined by patterns of impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria, while behavioral addictions are recognized to varying degrees across systems. Gambling disorder is clearly classified as a behavioral addiction in many manuals; Internet gaming disorder has been proposed or included in some classifications, with regional differences in acceptance.

Causes arise from an interaction of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Neurobiological changes in brain reward pathways and circuits governing motivation, memory, and self-control contribute to vulnerability and persistence. Environmental stressors, trauma, mental health co-morbidity, and early exposure to substances or risk contexts also play important roles.

Signs and diagnosis center on impaired control, cravings, tolerance and withdrawal for substances, time and effort spent pursuing the substance or activity, and ongoing use despite harm. Behavioral addictions share similarities but may lack uniform diagnostic criteria across jurisdictions; thus assessment often relies on standardized screens and clinical judgment.

Treatment typically requires an integrated approach combining pharmacotherapy for specific substances with psychosocial therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management. Relapse prevention, harm reduction, and ongoing support are important. Access to care and stigma reduction are key public health aims. Prevention focuses on education, early intervention, and addressing risk factors in communities.