Addiction

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Alcohol is widely used in social settings and is often viewed as a normal part of daily life. For many people, moderate drinking does not lead to significant harm. However, alcohol use can gradually shift from occasional or social use into patterns that negatively affect mental health, physical health, and overall functioning. Alcohol Awareness Month provides an opportunity to better understand the early signs of problematic drinking and the importance of timely intervention. Recognizing when alcohol use becomes a concern is not always straightforward. Many individuals do not meet the criteria for severe alcohol use disorder but still experience meaningful consequences from their drinking. Understanding these patterns can help individuals and their loved ones take proactive steps toward healthier behaviors and, when needed, professional support. Understanding Problematic Drinking Problematic drinking exists on a spectrum. …

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Digital technology has become a central part of modern childhood and adolescence. Smartphones, social media platforms, online gaming, and streaming services offer unprecedented access to information, entertainment, and social connection. For many young people, digital tools are an integral part of education, communication, and identity formation. At the same time, concerns about “screen addiction” and the effects of social media on youth mental health have grown significantly in recent years. Parents, educators, clinicians, and policymakers are increasingly asking whether excessive screen use may be harming young people and whether age-based restrictions on social media might help protect mental health. While the science continues to evolve, understanding how digital media affects youth development can help guide balanced and informed decisions. What People Mean by “Screen Addiction” The term “screen addiction” is widely used in public …

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Video games are a common and often positive part of modern life. Millions of people play games for entertainment, social connection, stress relief, or competition. For most individuals, gaming remains a balanced hobby that fits alongside work, school, relationships, and other responsibilities. However, for some people, gaming behavior can become excessive or difficult to control, leading to disruptions in daily functioning. The concept often referred to as “gaming addiction” has generated significant debate in the mental health field. While problematic gaming behaviors clearly exist, the question of whether gaming addiction should be considered a formal psychiatric diagnosis remains controversial. Understanding why the issue is debated and how clinicians actually evaluate problematic gaming behavior can help clarify when gaming may signal a deeper concern and when professional support may be beneficial. Why Gaming Addiction Is …

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Substance use disorders are complex medical conditions that affect the brain, behavior, and emotional regulation. While addiction is sometimes misunderstood as a lack of willpower or a purely behavioral issue, decades of research have shown that it is a chronic, relapsing condition driven by neurobiological changes and psychological vulnerability. Psychiatry plays a central role in treating substance use disorders by addressing both the biological mechanisms of addiction and the mental health conditions that often accompany it. Through evidence-based approaches, medication management, and integrated care, psychiatry helps individuals achieve stabilization, reduce relapse risk, and support long-term recovery. Understanding Substance Use Disorders as Medical Conditions Substance use disorders occur when repeated use of alcohol or drugs leads to changes in brain circuits involved in reward, motivation, stress, and self-control. These changes make it difficult to stop …

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