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2 results

  • Chapter 14 - Avoidance of Harmful Substances and Behaviours

  • from Section 3 - The Lifestyle Medicine Pillars
  • Edited by Richard Pinder, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, Christopher-James Harvey, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, Ellen Fallows, British Society of Lifestyle Medicine
  • Book:
    Essential Lifestyle Medicine
    Published online:
    01 May 2025
    Print publication:
    15 May 2025, pp 149-164

  • Summary

    Harmful substances and behaviours include alcohol, drugs, smoking, gambling, harmful technology use, and risky sexual practices, with a spectrum of harm from minimal to severe. Stigma and discrimination compound the harmful effects of these substances and behaviours. The biopsychosocial model has been historically used to understand, assess, and intervene in problems with such substances and behaviours. Harmful use of substances and behaviours is a growing problem and contributes significantly to the global burden of disease. The rise of technology-driven behaviours, such as gaming and social media use, can lead to addictive or compulsive patterns. Alcohol is a leading risk factor for disease and death, with no safe level of consumption recommended by the World Health Organization. Misuse of illicit and prescription drugs is rising globally, with opioids contributing to the most significant drug-related harm. Tobacco use remains a major modifiable risk factor for disease and mortality. Problem gambling has a high suicide rate and is often accompanied by financial problems. Definitions of problematic use of gaming and other technologies are challenging, with varying cultural and generational views on acceptable levels.

  • Internet addiction disorder: When technology becomes a problem

  • M. Trigo
  • Journal:
    European Psychiatry / Volume 64 / Issue S1 / April 2021
    Published online by Cambridge University Press:
    13 August 2021, p. S641
    • Article
      • You have access
      • Open access
    • PDF
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  • Introduction

    Internet addiction disorder (IAD) is the compulsive and problematic use of the internet, resulting in significant functional impairment in several life domains. This happens when an individual engages in online activities disregarding daily responsibilities or other interests, and not realizing its negative consequences. Although not officially recognized as a disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), the relationships between digital media use and mental health has been under debate and discussion amongst experts due to presenting some features of excessive use, withdrawal phenomena, tolerance, and negative repercussions typical of many substance abuse disorders.

    Objectives

    To present an overview of theoretical considerations on IAD and its eventual inclusion in the next version of the DSM.

    Methods

    Review of the most recent literature regarding internet addiction disorder. The research was carried out through the PubMed, MedLine, SpringerLink and LILACS databases, using the terms “internet addiction”, “addiction disorders” and “social media”, until December 2020.

    Results

    There is controversy around the diagnosis of internet addiction, including whether it is a unique clinical entity or a manifestation of other underlying psychiatric disorders, raising complex questions of causality. Since there are no standardized definition, there is lack of evidence-based recommendations to its approach.

    Conclusions

    Research suggests that some individuals dealing with internet addiction are at significant risk, therefore merit professional care. Further research is needed, with carefully controlled studies, emphasizing incapacity, prognosis and response to treatment, in order to consider internet addiction as a disease, and include it in DSM’s next edition.

    Disclosure

    No significant relationships.