Beyond drugs: the rise of behavioral addictions and their clinical implications
Behavioral addictions have emerged as an increasing public health challenge, driven by digitalization and immediate access to gratification. Although they do not involve substance use, these compulsive behaviors share neurobiological mechanisms and clinical consequences with traditional addictions. This editorial analyzes the key aspects of behavioral addictions, their impact on diagnostic systems, clinical and research challenges, main vulnerability factors, evaluation and intervention methods, regulatory policies, and controversies in their conceptualization and treatment. Additionally, the implications of the generational gap in the treatment and understanding of these pathologies are discussed.
Keywords:
Behavioral addictions, gambling disorder, video game addiction, compulsive shopping, addiction neurobiology, addiction regulation.