Dr. Mostafa Al-Nahhas

Psychiatry is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and psychological disorders that affect a person's thinking, emotions, and behavior. Psychiatrists deal with a wide range of psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and personality disorders.

Therapeutic Approaches: This includes psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. It may also involve pharmacotherapy, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.

Diagnosis: Psychiatrists rely on clinical interviews and the patient's medical history to make a diagnosis, and in some cases, may include psychological assessments or laboratory tests.

Addiction is a behavioral disorder in which a person becomes unable to control the use of a specific substance or engage in a particular behavior, despite its negative effects on daily life. Addiction impacts the ability to make rational decisions and leads to changes in the brain that affect how a person responds to stimuli.

Types of Addiction:

• Substance Addiction: Such as drugs, alcohol, or smoking.
• Behavioral Addiction: Such as gambling, video games, or food.

Signs: These include a strong urge to use the substance or engage in the behavior, the loss of control, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop.

Addiction is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. The main causes include:

Biological Factors:

• Genetics: Genetics play a significant role; some individuals are more predisposed to addiction due to their genetic makeup.
• Brain Chemistry: Changes in brain chemistry, especially in areas that control reward and motivation, can contribute to addiction.

Psychological Factors:

• The presence of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Some individuals may seek to escape emotional or psychological pain by using substances or engaging in addictive behaviors.

Environmental and Social Factors:

• Living in an environment filled with stress or pressure can lead to addiction.
• Socialization and exposure to individuals with addiction problems may contribute to an increased risk of addiction.

The diagnosis of addiction relies on a combination of behavioral and medical factors that are assessed by a psychiatrist or specialist:

Medical and Behavioral History: The doctor begins by gathering a comprehensive history from the patient regarding substance use or addictive behaviors.

Clinical Examination: The patient may undergo an examination to detect physical signs of addiction, such as indicators of intoxication or withdrawal symptoms.

Diagnostic Criteria: In some cases, doctors use diagnostic criteria such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine whether the individual is suffering from addiction based on a set of behavioral and medical symptoms.

Addiction treatment involves a range of therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing the root causes of addiction, alleviating symptoms, and improving the patient's quality of life:

Psychotherapy:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps the patient understand how their thoughts and behaviors influence their addiction and teaches alternative coping strategies.
• Family Therapy: Involves the support of family members to assist the patient in recovery and to enhance the family environment.
• Group Therapy: Allows patients to interact with others facing similar challenges, which strengthens social support.

Pharmacotherapy:

• Some medications, such as methadone or buprenorphine, are used to treat drug addiction.
• Other medications may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms or reduce cravings for substances.

Social Support:

• Joining support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be an essential part of the treatment plan.

Yes, psychotherapy is a crucial component in the treatment of addiction, as it helps the patient to:

• Understand the underlying cause of addiction: Treating psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety that may contribute to the addiction.
• Modify harmful behaviors: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps in changing negative thoughts and behaviors associated with addiction.
• Teach coping skills: Psychotherapy can assist patients in developing strategies to cope with life stresses without resorting to substances or addictive behaviors.

Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the type of substance and the duration of use, but common symptoms include:

• Anxiety and Restlessness: Feelings of nervousness or unease.
• Depression: Mood swings or deep feelings of sadness.
• Physical Pain: Such as headaches and muscle aches.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping or waking up early.
• Hallucinations or Confusion: In some advanced cases, the person may experience irrational thoughts or see things that are not there.

Addiction is a chronic disease, but it is treatable. Complete recovery requires a long time and continuous commitment from the patient. In some cases, addiction can be fully treated, but ongoing treatment and regular follow-up with specialists are essential to prevent relapse. The success of treatment depends on:

• Commitment to treatment.
• Social support.
• Ongoing treatment: Whether in a hospital setting or through support groups.

Addiction prevention requires early intervention at various stages of life. Preventive strategies include:

• Awareness: Raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse or addictive behaviors.
• Family Support: A healthy family environment plays a significant role in reducing the risk of addiction.
• Education and Training: Teaching children and adolescents how to manage psychological stress in a healthy way.

People with addiction can seek help through several channels:

• Visiting a Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist can diagnose the addiction and guide the appropriate treatment.
• Joining Rehabilitation Centers: These centers offer comprehensive treatment programs that include both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
• Participating in Support Groups: Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide ongoing social support.
• Family Support: Family and community support are crucial in providing a safe and supportive environment for the patient during the treatment process.