Addiction Disorders - Find a Specialist and Get Information

The various forms of addiction to substances include:

• Alcohol (alcohol addiction)
• Tobacco (nicotine addiction)
• Opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine)
• Cannabinoids (marijuana, hashish)
• Sedatives and sleeping pills, such as benzodiazepines (Valium® or Tavor®)
• Cocaine and other stimulants (amphetamines, ecstasy, speed)
• Hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms)

Dependence on a substance is present when at least 3 of the following 6 symptoms are present:

• A very strong craving for the substance, which the person can hardly resist
• Loss of control: Reduced control over when to start, when to stop, and the amount consumed (e.g., being unable to stop drinking until one is heavily intoxicated)
• Withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing the substance (restlessness, tremors, anxiety)
• Development of tolerance: An increase in the amount consumed to achieve the same effects
• Progressive neglect of other interests (family, friends, work) in favor of the substance
• Continued use despite harmful consequences

Abuse refers to use that leads to physical or psychological problems despite the absence of dependence.

Experts define psychological dependence as a strong, irresistible craving for the substance.

Physical dependence exists when the body constantly needs the substance to prevent withdrawal symptoms. The degree of psychological and physical dependence varies depending on the substance.

Addictive substances interfere with neurotransmitter metabolism in various ways @ O.Farion /AdobeStock

In the past, the term “drugs” referred to herbal remedies; later, it also came to include synthetic medications. Today, the term “drugs” refers to substances that affect the brain and can therefore lead to dependence.

It is common to distinguish between illegal drugs (heroin, cocaine, amphetamines) and legal drugs (alcohol, tobacco).

In Germany, substance use disorders are among the most common mental health disorders. Alcohol dependence is the most prevalent of these disorders, occurring about six times more frequently than other substance-related disorders.

The prevalence rates of various addiction disorders can be summarized as follows:

• Alcohol: 70 percent
• Multiple substance use (polydrug use): 20 percent
• Prescription medications: 5 percent
• Illegal drugs: 5 percent

The following figures apply to Germany:

• 7.8 million Germans engage in risky alcohol consumption (16 percent)
• 2.4 million (4 percent) engage in alcohol abuse
• 1.5 million (3 percent) are alcohol-dependent
• 2 million people in Germany use cannabis
• 1.5 million Germans are dependent on prescription drugs, of whom approximately 1.2 million are dependent on sedatives (benzodiazepines)
• 1 million Germans frequently use amphetamines (ecstasy), and the trend is rising
• Approximately 150,000 people in Germany use heroin

Various factors play a role in the development of addiction.

These factors include:

• Genetic factors (hereditary factors): If parents or relatives are addicted, there is an increased risk of becoming addicted oneself—even if one does not grow up in their immediate environment.
• Behavioral and learning factors: People who grow up or live in an environment with addicted individuals have an increased risk of becoming addicted themselves.
• Social factors: Social pressure (to drink or smoke along with others) can contribute to the development of addiction.
• Co-occurring mental health conditions (especially anxiety disorders, depression, and personality disorders): People who suffer from another mental or physical illness have an increased risk of developing an addiction. Especially in the early stages, the substance of abuse alleviates symptoms such as anxiety.

Addiction is not a sign of weakness or failure, but rather the result of a long-term process. In most cases, those affected can only overcome their addiction with professional help. Because addiction is a disease!

The treatment of addiction generally proceeds in four stages:

1. Initial contact phase: This is when the patient first comes into contact with professionals such as a primary care physician, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a counseling center, or similar services.
2. Detoxification phase: Detoxification takes place in a psychiatric or general hospital (duration: 1 to 3 weeks).
3. Rehabilitation phase: During this phase, rehabilitation takes place in specialized clinics for people with addiction (duration: 2 to 4 months).
4. Aftercare phase: In this phase, experts work to maintain the success achieved during the detoxification and withdrawal phases. Key roles are played here by the family doctor, a psychiatrist, addiction counseling centers, and self-help groups (duration: lifelong).

Alcoholics Anonymous is a global self-help organization dedicated to combating alcoholism @ Studio Romantic /AdobeStock

The goal of any therapy is complete abstinence from the addictive substance. If those affected go through all phases, they have the best chance of living permanently without the addictive substance. The first point of contact is always the family doctor, who can put them in touch with treatment facilities and counseling centers.