verslavings

Verslavings is a general term for conditions in which individuals repeatedly engage in substance use or behaviours to the point of harm, with impaired control, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms affecting daily life. They are often chronic and can involve cycles of remission and relapse. The term covers both substance-related addictions and behavioral addictions.

Substance-related addictions include alcohol, nicotine, opiates, cocaine, cannabis, and other drugs. Behavioral addictions involve activities such as gambling, gaming, internet use, shopping, sex, and eating. While substance addictions are widely recognised and codified in diagnostic manuals, behavioral addictions vary in official status across systems; gambling disorder is widely recognised as an addictive disorder, while others are under study or classified as related disorders.

Etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, neurobiological changes in reward pathways, co-occurring mental health disorders, and environmental factors such as trauma, stress, and social context. Risk factors include family history, early exposure, poor coping skills, and socioeconomic stress.

Impacts include health problems, impaired functioning, relationship strain, economic cost, and increased mortality. Treatments vary by condition but share an evidence base: cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, contingency management, and pharmacotherapies for certain substances. For many, integrated care addressing co-occurring disorders yields best outcomes. Self-help groups and support networks also play an adjunct role.

Prevention focuses on education, early screening, reducing stigma, and public health measures such as regulation and access control.