Behavioral Addiction Versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views

Seyyed Salman Alavi; Masoud Ferdosi; Fereshte Jannatifard; Mehdi Eslami; Hamed Alaghemandan; Mehrdad Setare

<JournalTitle>International Journal of Preventive Medicine</JournalTitle>

</PubDate>

</Journal>

<ArticleTitle>Behavioral Addiction Versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views</ArticleTitle>

<FirstName>Seyyed Salman</FirstName>

<LastName>Alavi</LastName>

</Author>

<FirstName>Masoud</FirstName>

<LastName>Ferdosi</LastName>

</Author>

<FirstName>Fereshte</FirstName>

<LastName>Jannatifard</LastName>

</Author>

<FirstName>Mehdi</FirstName>

<LastName>Eslami</LastName>

</Author>

<FirstName>Hamed</FirstName>

<LastName>Alaghemandan</LastName>

</Author>

<FirstName>Mehrdad</FirstName>

<LastName>Setare</LastName>

</Author>

</AuthorList>

</PubDate>

</History>

<Abstract>Introduction: Behavioral science experts believe that all entitiescapable of stimulating a person can be addictive; and whenevera habit changes into an obligation, it can be considered as anaddiction. Researchers also believe that there are a number ofsimilarities as well as some differences between drug addiction and behavioral addiction diagnostic symptoms. The purpose of this study is to consider different approaches in this field.Methods: This is a descriptive research using content analysismethod. First, differences and similarities of various perspectiveson addiction and addiction behavior in different substances wereobtained, thereafter, the data was coded and categorized, subjects were discussed and major issues were extracted.Results: Behavioral addiction such as internet addiction is similarto drug addiction except that in the former, the individual is notaddicted to a substance but the behavior or the feeling broughtabout by the relevant action. In addition, the physical signs of drug addiction, are absent in behavioral addiction. Others have stated that behaviorally addicted individuals have certain symptoms and will undergo the same consequences brought about by addiction to alcohol and drugs as well as other obsessive behaviors.Conclusion: Similar to substance abuse prevention, programsaimed at addicted individuals and specialized training can educate adolescents about the warning signs of online addiction, in order to assist the early detection of this disorder. For prevention of behavioral addiction (such as internet addiction) authorities, cultural institutions and parents should monitor the use of internet and teach to the adolescent and children, the useful and appropriate methods of internet use.Keywords: Addiction, addictive behavior, prevention</Abstract>

</Article>

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