7th World Congress on
Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry

Addiction therapies encompass a wide range of treatment approaches designed to help individuals overcome substance use disorders and behavioural addictions. These therapies aim to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, facilitating recovery and promoting long-term wellness.

Key Areas

• Cognitive behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Contingency Management

Addiction recovery and treatment encompass a variety of therapeutic approaches aimed at helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and behavioural addictions. Effective treatment is often multifaceted, addressing the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. Here’s an overview of the key components involved in addiction recovery and treatment.

Key Areas

• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Detoxification
• Therapeutic Interventions
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Holistic Approaches
• Aftercare Planning

Behavioural addiction refers to a compulsion to engage in a specific behaviour despite negative consequences, similar to substance use disorders. Unlike traditional addictions that involve substances, behavioural addictions focus on activities that can become compulsive and interfere with daily life. Common examples include gambling, internet use, gaming, shopping, and eating.

Key Areas

• Gambling Addiction
• Internet Addiction
• Shopping Addiction (Oniomania)
• Food Addiction
• Work Addiction (Workaholism)

Rehabilitation and recovery focus on providing individuals struggling with addiction the tools, support, and resources necessary to regain control of their lives. This involves a comprehensive approach addressing physical, psychological, and social well-being.

Key Areas

• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Treatment Planning
• Active Treatment
• Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Focus on Empowerment

Clinical psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses and disorders. It involves understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental health conditions. Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors, typically provide a range of treatments, including psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, and other interventions.

Key Areas

• Mood disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Eating disorders

Psychosis in addiction refers to a condition where an individual experiences symptoms of psychosis—such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking—due to substance abuse or withdrawal. Substance-induced psychosis is commonly seen with drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, hallucinogens, and prescription medications, among others. In these cases, the psychotic symptoms are directly linked to the use of the substance and typically resolve once the substance is cleared from the system.

Key Areas

• Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder
• Psychosis due to Withdrawal
• Psychotic Disorders in Co-occurring Addiction
• Chronic substance abuse
• Genetic predisposition

Addiction psychiatry is a specialized field focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of substance use disorders (SUDs) and their related mental health challenges. It bridges psychiatry and addiction medicine, addressing both psychological and physical aspects of addiction. The field aims to promote recovery, prevent relapse, and improve well-being for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Key Areas

• Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders
• Neurobiology of Addiction
• Psychological Factors in Addiction
• Treatment of Addiction and Mental Health
• Prevention and Early Intervention

Cognitive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by impairments in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, reasoning, problem-solving, and language. These disorders can affect an individual’s ability to think clearly, understand information, or make decisions. Cognitive disorders often result from damage to the brain, aging, or underlying neurological or psychiatric conditions. They can range from mild disruptions in cognitive function to severe impairments that significantly affect daily life.

Key Areas

• Dementia
• Developmental Cognitive Disorders
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
• Amnestic Disorder
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-related Cognitive Disorders
• Substance-Related Cognitive Disorders

Neurotoxicology is the study of how substances damage the nervous system, affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neurotoxins disrupt neurotransmission, harm neural structures, and alter brain chemistry, leading to neurological disorders. These toxic effects can result from environmental, industrial, or pharmaceutical exposures, with both acute and chronic consequences.

Key Areas

• Neurotoxicity Mechanisms
• Developmental Neurotoxicology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neurotoxicology
• Environmental and Occupational Neurotoxicology
• Neurotoxicology of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals

Traditional Approaches to Addiction refer to the historical and cultural methods used to understand, treat, and manage addiction. These approaches often emphasize community, spirituality, social support, and the use of natural substances or rituals. While modern addiction treatment has evolved to incorporate scientific research and evidence-based practices, traditional approaches continue to play an important role in some cultures, and many people find them complementary to contemporary methods.

Key Areas

• Spiritual and Religious Approaches
• Community-Based Support Systems
• Herbal and Natural Remedies
• Shamanic and Healing Rituals
• Psychological and Behavioural Approaches

Addiction-induced brain disease refers to the long-term, often irreversible changes that occur in the brain as a result of chronic substance abuse or addictive behaviours. Addiction, whether to drugs, alcohol, gambling, or other behaviours, can alter the structure and function of the brain in ways that compromise cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and decision-making. These changes contribute to the compulsive nature of addiction, making it difficult for individuals to stop the addictive behaviour despite negative consequences.

Key Areas

• Neuroplasticity and Brain Changes in Addiction
• Changes in Brain Structure
• Neurochemistry and Reward Pathways
• Withdrawal and Brain Dysfunction
• Chronic Effects of Addiction on the Brain

CNS addictive disorders involve the abuse of substances or behaviours that alter brain function, particularly in regions controlling mood, behaviour, and cognition. These disorders lead to dependency and addiction, causing negative physical, mental, and social consequences. Despite harm, individuals may feel compelled to continue due to physical or psychological dependence.

Key Areas

• Substance-Induced CNS Disorders
• Behavioral Addictions
• Neuroplasticity and Addiction
• Cognitive and Emotional Impact
• Neurobiological Mechanisms of Addiction

Addiction Nursing focuses on providing specialized care to individuals with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. Addiction nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and community health programs. They assess, treat, and support patients dealing with addiction and its associated physical, psychological, and social challenges.

Key Areas

• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Medication Management
• Therapeutic Interventions and Education
• Behavioral and Cognitive Support
• Holistic and Collaborative Care
• Aftercare and Support

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Addiction often occur together, with one condition exacerbating the other. This comorbidity is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, where a person struggles with both PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD). The relationship between PTSD and addiction is complex, and each disorder can fuel the other, making treatment more challenging. 

Key Areas

• The Neurobiology of PTSD and Addiction
• Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders
• Psychological and behavioural Aspects
• Screening and Diagnosis
• Prevention and Relapse Management
• Emerging Research and Innovations

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is one of the most complex and least understood mental illnesses, often leading to significant impairment in daily functioning. Schizophrenia can cause a variety of symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning in work, social interactions, and self-care.

Key Areas

• Neurobiology and Genetics of Schizophrenia
• Symptoms and Diagnosis
• Co-occurring Disorders and Schizophrenia
• Pharmacological Treatment
• Psychotherapy and Supportive Treatments

Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme fluctuations in mood, energy, and activity levels, ranging from manic or hypomanic episodes (elevated or irritable moods) to depressive episodes (low moods). These mood swings can disrupt a person’s ability to function in daily life and impact relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Key Areas

• Neurobiology and Genetics of Bipolar Disorder
• Symptoms and Diagnosis
• Comorbidity and Co-occurring Disorders
• Lifestyle Management and Preventive Approaches
• Advanced Research and Emerging Treatments

Dual Diagnosis refers to the condition of having both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously. This co-occurring condition presents unique challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and management, as both disorders interact and exacerbate one another. Individuals with dual diagnosis often face a more complex clinical picture and may experience poorer outcomes without integrated treatment approaches.

Key Areas

• Self-Medication Hypothesis and its Implications
• Neuroplasticity and Recovery in Dual Diagnosis
• Social Media and Technology's Role in Dual Diagnosis
• Cultural Considerations in Treating Dual Diagnosis
• Trauma-Informed Care for Dual Diagnosis Patients

Multimedia and Social Media Addiction refers to the compulsive and excessive use of digital platforms, including social media networks, video streaming services, online gaming, and other multimedia content, which can significantly impair an individual's psychological, social, and professional functioning. This addiction is driven by the need for instant gratification, social validation, or escapism, and can lead to negative outcomes such as anxiety, depression, decreased productivity, and disrupted relationships.

Key Areas

• Psychological Impact of Multimedia and Social Media Addiction
• Neurobiology and Addiction Mechanisms
• Technology and Design Features Fueling Addiction
• Cultural and Societal Influence
• Impact on Physical Health
• Social Media Addiction and Its Economic Impact

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders, often occurring together and sharing some overlapping symptoms. Both can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function and affect their emotional, physical, and social well-being.

Key Areas

• Lifestyle and Self-Care Strategies
• Anxiety and Depression in the Workplace
• Lifestyle Modifications
• Social and Environmental Influences
• Neurobiology and Brain Function

Mindfulness and Mental Health are closely linked, as mindfulness practices can play a significant role in improving mental health and well-being. Mindfulness involves paying full attention to the present moment without judgment, and it can be used as a tool to manage emotions, reduce stress, and increase awareness of one's thoughts and feelings. Research has shown that mindfulness practices can have profound effects on various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.

Key Areas

• Mindfulness-Based Therapies
• Mindfulness and Specific Mental Health Conditions
• Neurobiological and Psychological Mechanisms
• Mindfulness for Emotional and Cognitive Regulation
• Integrating Mindfulness into Treatment Plans

Pregnancy and Drugs is a critical topic in both obstetrics and public health, as the use of drugs during pregnancy can significantly impact the health and development of both the mother and the fetus. The effects of drugs—whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illicit—on pregnancy can vary depending on the type of substance, the timing of use, and the frequency of exposure. In many cases, substance use during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, developmental issues, and other long-term health concerns for the child.

Key Areas

• Substance Use and Maternal Health
• Drug Use During the First Trimester
• Illicit Drugs and Pregnancy
• Prescription Drug Use and Pregnancy
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

The study of novel neurobiology related to cannabis, cognition, and craving examines how cannabis use, particularly THC, affects the brain’s neurobiology, influencing memory, attention, and decision-making. It explores the neural mechanisms driving craving and addiction in cannabis use disorder. This research highlights the complex interactions between cannabis and the brain's reward system.

Key Areas

• Cannabis and Cognitive Functions
• Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
• Craving and Addiction Mechanisms
• Impact on Mental Health and Cognition
• Neuroimaging and Cannabis Use
• Withdrawal and Cognitive Recovery

Misuse of medicines refers to the inappropriate or non-medical use of prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs. It involves actions such as taking medications for reasons other than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or taking higher doses than recommended. This misuse can lead to substance dependence, adverse health outcomes, and drug overdoses.

Key Areas

• Pharmacological Effects and Risks
• Psychosocial Factors in Medicine Misuse
• Prescription Drug Abuse and Regulation
• Treatment Approaches for Medicine Misuse
• Preventing Misuse in Youth and Adolescents

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach to treatment that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for recovery. It is particularly relevant in addiction treatment, as many individuals with substance use disorders have experienced significant trauma. TIC integrates knowledge about trauma into all aspects of care and treatment, ensuring that the person feels understood, respected, and supported throughout the recovery process.

Key Areas

• Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Addiction
• Therapies in Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment
• Avoiding Retraumatization in Treatment Settings
• Building Resilience and Coping Mechanisms
• Collaborative Care in Trauma-Informed Systems
• Long-Term Recovery and Healing from Trauma

• Women and Drugs
• Pain Management and Addiction
• Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse
• Psychoactive Drugs and Abuse
• Pharmacology of Drug Addiction
• Alcohol Abuse, Alcoholism and Dependency
• Drug and Substance Abuse
• Addiction Medicine and Science