Many people with behavioral addictions have been told that they have a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a mental disorder in which people experience repetitive intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive compulsive mental acts or physical rituals (compulsions). For example, individuals with OCD might experience intrusive obsessional thoughts that they have contaminated their hands…
Source: Shahril KHMD/Shutterstock Dozens of studies have demonstrated links between genetics, various environmental factors, and a person’s susceptibility to addiction. Many of these studies focus on alcoholism (addiction to alcohol), but others have extended the findings to other addictions. Nature (Genetics) Numerous genetic variations can directly impact the risk for alcoholism, usually by altering the…
The online world is already the main source of behavioral addictions, those that do not involve substance use. Especially in minors. In its first year of operation, the Behavioral Addictions Center at Gregorio Marañón Hospital (Madrid), the only public center in Spain with a multidisciplinary approach to this type of addiction, the vast majority of…
Fact checked by Sarah Scott Parents/GettyImages/Elva Etienne Social media, video game, and smartphone use in kids and teens has risen, and there’s a growing chorus of concerns about screen time’s link to mental health concerns. It’s prompted legislation including phone bans in some schools. The focus is often on the “time” part. The American Academy…
Nearly 50 million over the age of 12 reportedly have substance use disorders, which can include addictions to alcohol or drugs. Other issues that affect millions – such as gambling, shopping, gaming, and porn – have also been classified as addictions and mental health disorders. All of these can be personally devastating, and sometimes…
If you’ve ever had a slobbery ball at your feet and a dog’s hopeful eyes asking for yet another throw, then you know that some dogs really love to play. Now, scientists back that up by finding that some pups’ behaviors share features with human addictions. Behavioral biologist Stefanie Riemer and her colleagues explored the…
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Addiction, though becoming more and more of a widely-known and recognised condition, is still one that is highly stigmatised and misunderstood by many. Any individual can develop an addiction, and this can be for many different reasons, requiring specific and tailored care for each individual case. When an individual is struggling with an addiction, they…
Türkiye is preparing to enter a new phase in its fight against tobacco use, digital addiction and unhealthy eating habits, as the Ministry of Health finalizes major legislative and public-health reforms aimed at protecting future generations and building a healthier society. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu said new legal regulations targeting tobacco use in enclosed public…
Despite significant advances in addiction science, a persistent and critical challenge remains: the vast chasm between the development of effective, evidence-based interventions for Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Addictions and their routine implementation in real-world clinical and community settings. This “know-do gap” hinders patient access to optimal care, perpetuates health disparities, and ultimately limits the…
