Why do gambling games become more addictive the faster they are?
In public discourse, the player is often portrayed as a “weak character” who “cannot control themselves.” Much less frequently do we discuss the game itself: how it is designed to keep individuals at the table or in front of the screen for as long as possible. One of the most critical, yet often invisible, elements […]
How Addiction Changes Our Relationship with Ourselves
Nowadays, addiction is often presented as a pathology that “resides” within the individual. As a flaw in character, a biological or psychological defect, that makes a person “vulnerable,” “defective,” “inadequate.” This narrative, however “scientific” it may seem, rarely helps. More often, it causes harm. Because every time we define addiction exclusively as a disease, the […]
The Multiple Facets of Alcohol: Neurological, Social, Psychological
Alcohol is one of the most widespread socially consumed substances; however, its “legal” social form should not mislead us. In this article, we explore: (a) the neurobiological effects of alcohol consumption on the brain, (b) its sociological and cultural implications — within the “culture of consumption” analyzed by Michael White — and (c) the psychological […]
Cannabis: Risks, Potential Benefits, and the Limits of Scientific Knowledge
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa / indica) is currently one of the most discussed psychoactive plants—sometimes seen as a “natural” alternative, and other times as a potential threat to mental health. The truth, as is often the case, lies somewhere in the middle (WHO, 2023). 1. The “New” Cannabis — Potency and Composition In recent years, the […]
What is the most difficult substance to overcome an addiction to?
The truth is that for no substance or behavior can we a priori predict its therapeutic course. Every addiction is a relationship that serves a specific purpose in an individual’s life. The individual is called upon to identify, analyze, and ultimately heal this purpose. However, there are certain elements that are useful for understanding which […]
When does the use of a substance or habit get out of control?
Although this question seems relatively simple, it is not always easy to answer. If you or someone you know has started to think that something might have gotten out of control, you might already have the answer. When the presence of a substance, habit, or behavior begins to affect your work, relationships, and your ability […]
How long does recovery last? What are withdrawal symptoms?
Initially, to answer this question, it is necessary to specify what type of addiction or problematic use we are referring to. That is, whether we are discussing a substance or a behavior. Substance Addiction Recovery If we are talking about a substance, we must first consider its physical withdrawal symptoms. In most cases, these do […]
3 Tactics Gambling Uses to Convince You to Stay in the Game!
Gambling employs various tactics to keep you ‘stuck’ in the game. It relies on thoughts such as chasing losses, magical hopes, and isolation, creating a vicious cycle that makes it difficult to stop. In this article, we will examine the 3 most fundamental ways it affects people’s behavior. 1) The Idea of Chasing Losses While […]
Addiction Recovery and Relapse: Punishment or a Challenge for New Insights?
Often, dominant models of thought in modern psychology adopt a negative—bordering on punitive—stance towards relapse, or the return of problematic substance use or behavior. Narrative therapy approaches this return as an opportunity for further exploration and new insights. According to narrative therapy, the process of recovery constitutes a shift from a familiar part of an […]
Gambling Addiction: A Modern Scourge and Useful Clarifications
What Is Gambling Addiction? Gambling addiction is a serious psychological and social disorder, characterized by an uncontrollable desire and need of the individual to engage in gambling activities, despite the negative consequences these may have on their personal and professional life. This addiction can affect individuals of all ages and social classes and is a […]