Unravelling the complexity of behavioural addiction

Behavioural addiction is incredibly complex, extending far beyond substance abuse.

Founder of Solace Asia and addiction treatment expert Professor Dr Prem Kumar Shanmugam sheds light on the multifaceted nature of addiction, emphasising that it encompasses both substance and behavioural components.

While substance addiction involves chemicals like alcohol and drugs, behavioural addiction includes issues such as gambling, sex, and gaming addiction.

Despite their differences, both types share a common thread of addictive nature, leading individuals into chronic relapse which Prem considered as a ‘disease’.

Prem highlighted the intricate dynamics of addiction, emphasising that it affects individuals differently based on susceptibility.

“It is important to note that not everyone who is exposed to addictive substances becomes addicted; susceptibility varies among individuals.

“This predisposition to addiction is a crucial aspect to consider. Another aspect affecting the broader population is that addiction is not solely about substance abuse; it often leads to additional complications.

“Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia can arise,” he explained.

Prem provided insights into the alarming landscape of drug abuse, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Professor Dr Prem Kumar Shanmugam

“Enforced lockdowns led to increased substance abuse as individuals turned to it as a coping mechanism for boredom and isolation. This exacerbated the situation for those already struggling with addiction, leading to a surge in individuals seeking treatment.

“The demographic seeking help at Solace shifted towards a younger age group, and the types of substances abused evolved over time, particularly with the emergence of synthetic drugs in the market.

“These synthetic substances presented unique challenges, often manifesting in unpredictable symptoms such as psychosis and schizophrenia-like behaviours, making diagnosis and treatment complex,” he explained.

Prem's observations highlighted significant shifts in addiction trends, including changes in the types of substances abused, shifts in the age demographic of individuals engaging in drug use, and the emergence of new symptoms and complexities associated with the condition.

Addressing a recent incident where a Malaysian parent unintentionally fed their child milk mixed with methamphetamine (Meth), Prem vehemently emphasised the absurdity and unthinkable nature of such an action.

“It is inconceivable to accidentally mix Meth into a baby's milk, it is absurd. Neither you nor I keep meth or any substances in our homes, making the idea extremely odd.

“Even if drugs were present in the house, it is irrational to administer them by adding them to a bottle of milk for a child,” he added.

On Feb 27, a 34-year-old mother and her 40-year-old husband were arrested by the police after mistakenly mixing their baby's formula milk with liquid methamphetamine.

It was reported that both of them were under the influence of drugs when the incident happened in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya.