Today, addictive disorders are a widespread problem. By addictive disorder we mean a chronic dysfunction of the reward, motivation and memory mechanisms in the brain, resulting in biological, psychological and social manifestations.

This results in an inability to abstain from the addictive substance or behaviour, as well as impaired behavioural management, impaired craving, imbalance of emotional response and reduced ability to recognise important problems.

Addictions are associated with substance use, but can also be associated with inappropriate behaviours in terms of their control and use, which affect the person at different levels. The behaviours associated with these addictions are not necessarily harmful in themselves, it is the lack of control and abuse that makes them a problem. The most common addictions of this type would be those associated with gambling, sex, work, new technologies (mobile phones, social networks, video games).

When the consumption of alcohol, narcotic substances, new technologies, etc., becomes a necessity and occurs in an uncontrolled way, we are faced with a progressive, chronic and degenerative condition at a physical level. This can affect almost all the organs of the body and, psychologically, it affects the state of mind, very often causing depression. In addition to harming oneself, addiction also harms family and friends.