Integral treatment

The interaction of biological, environmental and psychological factors

The approach to addictions and impulse dyscontrol requires a multifactorial view, recognizing that there is no single cause.

From a biological and genetic point of view, evidence suggests that there is a significant hereditary predisposition.

If a person has a family history of alcoholism, his or her brain may process the substance differently, eliciting more potent reinforcement or developing tolerance more quickly.

This is not a condemnation, but a risk factor that must be recognized and managed, eliminating moral blame ("I am vicious") and replacing it with biological responsibility.

The environmental factor is equally critical. The environment in which one grows up and lives acts as a catalyst.

The availability of the substance, the cultural normalization of consumption and the age of onset are determining factors.

For example, starting to drink alcohol in pre-adolescence alters brain development and exponentially multiplies the risk of dependence in adulthood compared to starting after the age of 21.

Finally, the psychological factor (coping skills, emotional management and beliefs) interacts with the above.

Effective treatment cannot ignore any of these legs: it may require medical detoxification (biological), change of social circles (environmental) and psychological flexibility training (psychological).

Ignoring biology or the environment and focusing only on the "mind" often leads to therapeutic failure.

Reconnecting with values as relapse prevention

In the maintenance and long-term recovery phase, mere abstinence ("not using") is often an insufficient motivator.

Avoiding something is a "dead man's" goal (a corpse can also "not drink").

To sustain the titanic effort involved in recovery, the person needs a powerful "what for." This is where values work becomes indispensable.

Recovery should not just focus on getting away from the drug or habit, but on getting closer to a life worth living.

If a person stops gambling compulsively but his or her life remains empty of purpose, relationships and meaningful activities, the risk of relapse is very high, because gambling filled that void.

The intervention focuses on helping the individual build a rich life based on his or her values (being a present parent, being a creative professional, taking care of his or her health).

When the person is "busy" living a valued life, the addiction loses its primary function.

We use the metaphor of the spaceship: if a ship leaves Earth's orbit (the addiction) but has no destination (values such as the Moon