Gambling, compulsive shopping, social networks, video games and the Internet can cause extreme dependence. In Madrid, as in all the capitals of the world, there are a large number of people suffering from the psychological and physical effects of behavioral addictions. Here, screens are in the spotlight: the EDADES 2024 survey recorded that 3.7% of the population between the ages of 15 and 64 make problematic use of the Internet.
Of particular concern are adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age, who use their cell phones (on average) between 5 and 7 hours a day. Twenty-seven percent of them claim to stay up all night with screens, something that in most cases affects their academic performance, their health and, in the worst cases, both aspects of their lives.
To curb the growth of addictive behaviors in the capital, the Community of Madrid has announced that it will be possible to make an appointment at the Center for prevention, treatment and research in gambling disorder and other addictions (AdCom) directly through the Virtual Health Card (TSV).
Users of the application will be able to find this service in the Prevention and Health Promotionsection of their TSV under the name of Behavioral Addictions. Clicking on the icon will take them to a screen with information about the AdCom and the link to request an appointment online.
How to identify a behavioral addiction
According to the AdCom Madrid Center, people with addictive behaviors follow a series of patterns that, if not treated in time, could cause extreme dependence. The main ones are:
- Excessive dedication to the activity.
- Need to increase the time dedicated to the behavior in order to be satisfied.
- Great physical and psychological discomfort when deprived of the addictive activity.
- Inability to give up the behavior despite visible negative consequences (e.g., physical or academic).