Addictions: Psychiatric and Psychological Approaches to Behavioral and Psychoactive Substance Dependence

ADDICTIONS: PSYCHIATRIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE Turayev Bobir Temirpulotovich bobir. turaev. 89@mail. ru PhD, Associate Professor of the department of psychiatry, medical psychology and narcology, Samarkand State Medical University, Uzbekistan, Samarkand city, Amir Temur street 18, Tel: +998 66 2330841 E-mail: sammi@sammi. uz. Ochilov Ulugbek Usmanovich ulugbekₒ@mail. ru DSc, Associate Professor of the department of psychiatry and narcology, Samarkand State Medical University, Uzbekistan, Samarkand city, Amir Temur street 18, Tel: +998 66 2330841 E-mail: sammi@sammi. uz. https: //doi. org/10. 5281/zenodo. 18261466 ABSTRACT: Relevance. According to experts in the field of addictology, any stimulus capable of influencing an individual’s mental activity can contribute to the development of addiction. Repetitive patterns of behavior, when gradually taking on a compulsory nature, are considered addictive disorders. Research indicates that substance-related addictions and behavioral addictions share certain diagnostic features while also exhibiting specific clinical and psychological differences. The primary aim of this study is to systematically analyze and compare existing psychiatric and psychological approaches to these forms of addiction. Methods: The study examined similarities and differences among various theoretical concepts related to substance-related and behavioral addictions. Collected data were systematically organized, categorized into thematic groups, and analyzed using content analysis methods, resulting in the identification of key topics and conceptual frameworks. Results: Behavioral addictions, such as internet addiction, share several similarities with substance dependence; however, the dependence in behavioral addictions is directed not toward a chemical substance but toward a specific behavior or the emotional experience associated with it. Classical physical withdrawal symptoms typically observed in substance dependence are usually absent in behavioral addictions. Nevertheless, many researchers emphasize that individuals with behavioral addictions exhibit characteristic symptoms and may experience clinical signs and functional impairments comparable to those seen in alcohol and drug dependence, as well as in other compulsive behaviors. Conclusion: Similar to strategies for preventing substance dependence, targeted prevention programs and specialized educational interventions play a crucial role in the early detection and prevention of addictive behavioral disorders. In particular, educating adolescents about early warning signs of internet addiction facilitates timely identification of the disorder. Effective prevention of behavioral addictions requires the coordinated efforts of governmental authorities, cultural and educational institutions, and parents to monitor internet use and to teach children and adolescents appropriate, safe, and constructive ways of using digital resources. Keywords: addiction; substance dependence; addictive behavior; prevention