According to the definition of I NSERM (French public research body entirely dedicated to human health), «addictions are cerebral pathologies defined by a dependence on a substance or an activity, with deleterious consequences. Thus, addictions result in an incompressible need to consume a substance or to play, for example.

What is the difference between addiction and addiction?

According to WHO (World Health Organization), "the 10th Revision of the International Statistical Classification (ICD-10) of Diseases and Related Health Problems defines the addiction syndrome as a set of behavioral, cognitive and physiological conditions in which the use of a specific psychoactive substance or a category of substances leads to a gradual disinvestment of other activities'.

The definition of the term "dependence" is therefore very close to that of the term "addiction". And for good reason. WHO adds: "In 1964, a WHO Expert Committee introduced the term" addiction "to replace the terms" addiction "and" addiction ". It would seem, therefore, that we can use both terms indifferently to designate these pathologies.

What are the most common addictions?

The most widespread addictions are related to tobacco (nicotine), alcohol and cannabis . Far behind, according to INSERM, we find opiates (heroin, morphine), cocaine , amphetamines and other synthetic derivatives. Addictions can also be related to activities such as gambling , video games , sex or compulsive shopping .

The early consumption of addictive substances increases the risk of addiction, it is between 15 and 25 years that we have the most risk of developing addiction. Also, among tobacco users, 32% are dependent. Some addictions occur more quickly than others: for example, one can develop a addiction to tobacco, heroin or cocaine in just a few weeks, while alcoholism is spread over a longer period.

How to explain the phenomenon of dependence?

INSERM explains that the installation of an addiction is based on at least three mechanisms, which are the increase in the motivation to consume the substance (we are looking for pleasure), a negative emotional state that makes us look for a form of relief and a decline in the ability to control oneself, including one's consumption.

The following phenomenon is taking place: the consumption of the drug (for example) gives pleasure by releasing dopamine , serotonin or by activating the endorphin receptors, which installs us in a state of well-being.

However, in the long term, the natural production of endorphin is disrupted and, as time goes by, we only manage to enjoy ourselves by consuming the substance. Overconsumption then induces an increase in tolerance to the substance and therefore a feeling of lack when one has to do without it. This is how addiction sets in.

How to know if there is addiction?

According to the DSM ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , whose 5th edition was published in 2013), a person suffers from an addiction if he presents or has presented during the past year at least two of the 11 criteria following: a compelling and irrepressible need to consume or play; a loss of control over the quantity and time dedicated to consumption; the (significant) time spent searching for the substance; increased tolerance to the product; the presence of a withdrawal syndrome ; the inability to fulfill certain important obligations; use even when there is a proven physical risk; personal or social problems; persistent desire to reduce doses or activity; reduced ancillary activities in favor of addiction; continued consumption even after becoming aware of physical or psychological damage.

If the DSM recognizes as "authentic" addition that addictions to substances or gambling, (other addictions, sex, video games, smartphone ... do not have sufficient scientific data), there are several stages to addiction. If the subject fulfills 2 to 3 of the above criteria, the addiction is said to be weak, it is moderate if it fulfills 4 to 5 criteria, and severe beyond 6.

What consequences for these addictions?

Unfortunately, no addiction is inconsequential, and these are sometimes tragic. The outcome can sometimes be directly linked to excessive use, such as during an overdose or coma ethyl , or related to long-term side effects, as the many cancers attributed to smoking or alcoholism, psychiatric and neurological disorders attributed to drugs, not to mention the risks of HIV infection , the loss of all social and professional links ...

How to get out of an addiction?

To get rid of an addiction, you must first be aware of it and be ready to cope. Many structures and associations exist to support people who are addicted. Among them are Drugs Info Service, Tobacco Info Service, Players Info Service, sites set up by the government that accompany and direct to aid associations. There are also useful associations directories .