Beroendet

Beroendet is a Swedish noun meaning dependency or addiction. It is used to describe a state in which a person relies on a substance or a behavior to the extent that it causes harm or impairment and becomes hard to control. The term covers chemical dependencies—such as alkoholberoende and narkotikaberoende—as well as behavioral addictions, including spelberoende, gaming disorder, or compulsive online activities. The definite form beroendet is used when speaking of the concept in general or of a specific instance.

Etymology and usage: Beroende derives from beroende, dependent. In Swedish grammar, beroendet is the definite singular form of the noun.

In health and policy contexts, beroendet is discussed within a biopsychosocial framework that recognises withdrawal, tolerance, craving, and functional impairment. It aligns with international classifications of substance-related disorders and behavioral addictions, while clinical practice often uses terms such as substance use disorder or gaming disorder to describe specific conditions. Public health responses emphasise assessment, treatment planning, and coordinated care across medical, psychological, and social services.

Treatment and impact: Approaches include detoxification, pharmacotherapy for certain addictions (for example, naltrexone or acamprosate in alcohol use disorder; buprenorphine in opioid use disorder), and psychological therapies such as motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Prevention focuses on early intervention, risk education, stigma reduction, and improving access to care. The societal impact of beroendet includes health consequences, accidents, economic costs, and family or social disruption.

Contemporary debates: Scholars debate medicalization versus social determinants, the boundaries between disorder and normal behaviour, and the most effective harm-reduction strategies. Research continues on neurobiology, genetics, and evidence-based treatments.

See also: Addiction; Substance use disorder; Dependency; Behavioral addiction; Harm reduction.