Addictions

Addiction is a mental health condition characterised by the compulsive seeking and taking of a substance or performing of an activity, despite negative or harmful consequences. 

Causes and consequences

An addiction can develop as a result of several factors, such as life experiences, personality traits or social influences.


All types of addiction significantly impact on healthcare spending, but they can also create social and public order problems, because they can encourage illegal behaviour, violence or domestic accidents caused by altered states of mind or withdrawal.

Substance use disorder
When we talk about addictions, we generally think of this kind of alteration — that is, the abuse of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
Behavioural addiction
Today, compulsive relationships with gambling, food, smartphones, sex, and internet use have also become very common forms of addiction

Prevention

Prevention is key to reducing the burden of substance abuse and behavioural addiction on in-dividuals. Prevention measures should target both the general population and specific vulner-able individuals or individuals showing problematic behaviour. 

Support

People with an addiction are supported through an integrated network of services set up or participated in by the local health authorities [such as addiction treatment centres (SerD) and smoking cessation programmes], accredited private facilities and voluntary organisations.


SerD centres are an integral part of the Department of Addiction Disorders and are estab-lished by each local health authority in Puglia. Their mission is to provide prevention, diagno-sis, treatment and rehabilitation services for people with substance use or behavioural addic-tion disorders and their families. The services are provided by a team of professionals com-prising medical doctors, psychologists, sociologists, social workers, education professionals, nurses and healthcare assistants, who can provide a specialist response tailored to different needs. Admission to care, which is free of charge, can take place either on a walk-in basis or by telephone appointment. Full confidentiality is guaranteed, and total anonymity can also be requested.

Prevention campaigns

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