WHAT ARE THE NEW DEPENDENCIES?
The new dependencies ( new addictions ) comprise all those new forms of dependence in which is not involved the use of any substance.
Addiction is towards socially accepted behaviors or activities, including internet or mobile phone use, shopping , work, sex , relationships, gambling , food.
For most people these behaviors are part of the normal daily routine, while for others they take on pathological characteristics .
WHEN DO WE TALK ABOUT PATHOLOGICAL DEPENDENCE?
When the person manifests an excess in the repetition of a certain behavior so much that he cannot do without it and neglects emotional, social relationships and work. The negative consequences that derive from this affect the entire life of the individual, causing a condition of general suffering, also extended to his social and emotional context.
AFFECTIVE DEPENDENCE (LOVE ADDICTION)
Love addicts are obsessive, avoid the risk of change, often lack true intimacy , the devotion of the beloved is sought .
Affective addicts have been hindered in their growth and development and associate themselves with the identity of a loved one .
They are afraid of changes, they suppress all desire, interest and have no confidence in their individual abilities .
They are obsessed with impossible needs and unrealistic expectations , they are led to think that they work in favor of the partner, which will secure their relationship with the consequences, instead, of disappointment and resentment that will end up destroying the couple’s relationship.
WORK ADDICTION
The employee takes his work to bed, he does not leave it even during the weekend or on vacation, he is never without work because this is his way of life.
Phrases such as “I love my job”, “my work is also my pastime”, “I’m simply providing for my family” are typical of those who have this form of addiction and work gradually becomes the only reservoir of identity .
The obsession with work becomes a trap and turns any activity into work, even play and relaxation.
PHONE DEPENDENCY
From surveys carried out in Italy it emerges that there are different types of addiction linked to different factors:
# sms employees ;
# employees of the new model are constantly buying new models of mobile phones at large sums;
# The cell exhibitionists pay much attention to the color and design are constantly using mobile phone in hand showing other aspects of their unit. When they call they do it aloud or when they receive a call, they make the phone ring for a long time to make it heard by all present;
# the game players are characterized by an excessive interest in the games and turn your phone into a console;
# those affected by the Cell Phone On Syndrome are terrified of having their cell phones turned off and always carry a spare battery with them to avoid being suddenly without a cell phone.
INTERNET DEPENDENCE
Internet addiction takes several forms:
# cybersex addiction , means virtual sex, use of pronographic material, encounters in erotic chats, masturbation, etc;
# cyber relational addiction , is the addiction to virtual relationships understood as the need to establish friends or love relationships with people met online;
# net compulsions , the implementation of various compulsive behaviors such as online gambling, participation in online auctions and online trading;
# information overload or cognitive overload, people search for a lot of information online in order to have clearer ideas and make appropriate choices, instead access to a lot of information does not allow for good use;
# computer addiction , practice of virtual interactive games in which the participants play simultaneously and interact with each other. They are engaging because they allow the protagonist / player to build another identity and hide their own. Anonymity (risk factor of online addiction) allows the player to express himself and invent characters that replace the real personality.
TREATMENT OF NEW DEPENDENCIES
Dr. Sposato Italia’s psychology office proposes:
# first evaluation to understand the problem in its entirety and with respect to the single person, and proposal of an individualized treatment;
# individual therapy path with the use of behavioral and cognitive techniques that allow to know which are the most functional strategies to cope with this addiction, to then move on to a deeper level and of an emotional nature;
# therapeutic groups with the aim of sharing their experiences, identifying critical behaviors, working on the emotional and relational sphere, managing problematic situations and offering mutual support.
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