Addiction disorders (substance use disorders) are mental health conditions characterized by repeated and difficult-to-control cravings for a substance or a specific behavior — despite negative health, social, or occupational consequences.
A distinction is made between substance-related addictions (e.g., alcohol, medication, cannabis) and behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, internet or media use).
Typical features include loss of control, increasing tolerance, and the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. Addiction disorders are treatable — early intervention significantly improves the prognosis.
Symptoms
Core features of addiction:
Strong craving
Loss of control over onset, amount, or duration
Development of tolerance (increasing dosage)
Withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping
Neglect of other areas of life
Continued use despite negative consequences
Associated symptoms:
Mood fluctuations
Sleep disturbances
Social isolation
Decline in performance
Many individuals experience ambivalent feelings between the desire for change and tendencies toward relapse.
Types
Substance-related addictions:
Alcohol dependence
Medication dependence (e.g., benzodiazepines)
Drug dependence
Behavioral addictions:
Gambling disorder
Internet and media addiction
Compulsive buying disorder
Depression, anxiety disorders, or personality-related difficulties often occur as comorbid conditions.
Causes
Addiction disorders arise from a complex interplay of factors:
Genetic predisposition
Neurobiological changes in the reward system
Psychological stress
Traumatic experiences
Social and environmental factors
Substances and addictive behaviors may provide short-term relief but reinforce the problem in the long term.