What is addiction and what are the global statistics

Addiction is a chronic condition characterised by an uncontrollable craving and compulsive engagement with a substance or behaviour despite knowing of the harmful consequences. It often involves physical and psychological dependency, where the individual struggles to stop using the substance or engaging in the activity, even when aware of its negative impact on health, relationships, or daily life. This condition is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, and it affects the brain’s reward system, leading to cycles of dependency and withdrawal.

• Substance use disorders: Over 35 million people globally suffer from substance use disorders (as per UNODC estimates in recent years).
  • AlcoholTobaccoPrescription drugs (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines)
  • Illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin)
• Alcohol addiction: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) affects around 5% of the global population (around 400 million individuals).
• Tobacco addiction: Over 1.3 billion people use tobacco products, with approximately 8 million deaths annually linked to smoking.
• Opioid crisis: More than 50 million people misuse opioids globally, contributing to most drug-related deaths.
• Behavioural addictions: Gambling disorder and internet addiction are emerging concerns, though precise global statistics are limited.
  • Gambling Internet (e.g., porn or social media platforms)
  • Food-related compulsions

The higher prevalence of addictions can be attributed to several interconnected factors:

1. Stress and mental health issues: Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma increase vulnerability to addiction as individuals may use substances or behaviours to cope.
2. Genetic predisposition: Genetics can play a significant role, with specific individuals being more biologically susceptible to addiction.
3. Social and environmental factors: Peer pressure, exposure to substance use, and lack of supportive environments contribute to higher addiction rates.
4. Accessibility and availability: Easy access to addictive substances or behaviours, such as alcohol, drugs, or online platforms, increases the likelihood of dependency.
5. Cultural and societal influences: Normalisation of certain addictive behaviours (e.g., alcohol consumption, gambling) in some cultures raises addiction risks.
6. Trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): Early exposure to neglect, abuse, or instability significantly correlates with addiction in later life.
7. Neurobiological factors: Repeated exposure to addictive substances or behaviours alters brain chemistry, increasing cravings and dependence.
8. Lack of awareness and education: Limited understanding of addiction risks or misconceptions about “controlled” use can lead to higher prevalence.

These interdependent factors often create complex pathways to addiction that vary between individuals and communities.

Conventional treatment methods for addiction

This condition is complex, characterised by compulsive behaviours and an inability to control the use of substances or activities despite harmful consequences. In many cases, a coordinated approach leads to better outcomes.

1. Detoxification:
   1. Medical supervision to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
   1. It is commonly used for alcohol and opioid addiction.
2. Medications:
   1. Opioid addiction: Methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone.
   1. Alcohol addiction: Disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate.
   1. Nicotine addiction: Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gums), bupropion, varenicline.
3. Behavioural Therapies:
   1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Addresses thought patterns contributing to addiction.
   1. Motivational Interviewing (MI): Enhances readiness to change.
   1. Contingency Management (CM): Uses rewards for maintaining sobriety.
4. Support Groups:
   1. 12-Step Programs (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous).
   1. Peer support and community-based programs.
5. Rehabilitation Programs:
   1. Inpatient and outpatient rehab for structured support and counselling.
6. Technology-Based Interventions:
   1. Mobile apps and telehealth for therapy and self-monitoring.

While Western medicine often views this condition as a disease of the brain influenced by genetic, psychological, and social factors, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic perspective that examines the balance (Yin and Yang) and the flow of Qi within the body and organs as well as emotions related to the five elements. It is seen as a manifestation of disharmony in the body and mind, with specific organ systems and emotions playing key roles.

Some of the main patterns are:

• Liver Qi stagnation: The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and emotions. Addiction often stems from stress, frustration, or emotional suppression, leading to stagnation.
• Heart and Shen (Spirit) imbalance: The Heart governs the Shen (mind/spirit), and addictive behaviour may arise when the Shen is disturbed (or unanchored in the Heart blood), leading to anxiety, restlessness, or lack of clarity.
• Spleen and Kidney deficiency: The Spleen is linked to overthinking and worry, while the Kidneys store essence and willpower. Addiction can weaken these systems, leading to fatigue, fear, and compulsive behaviours.
• Dampness and phlegm accumulation: Excessive consumption of substances (e.g., alcohol, drugs) can lead to dampness and phlegm, clouding the mind and creating dependency.

Understanding addiction through TCM principles

In TCM, health is maintained by the harmonious flow of Qi through the meridians (energy pathways), the Zang Fu and ultimately, the balance of Yin and Yang. This condition (like any other disease) is understood as a disruption in this balance, often caused by emotional stress and physical imbalances from dietary or environmental factors.

Key elements include:

• Disharmony of the Five Elements: The Five Elements theory—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—links physical organs to emotional and spiritual health. Addiction may result from an imbalance in these elements. For example:
  • Wood (Liver): An imbalanced Liver can lead to impulsive behaviours associated with anger and stress.
  • Fire (Heart): Linked to joy and spirit (Shen), an imbalanced Heart may result in feelings of emptiness or a need for stimulation.
  • Earth (Spleen): Governs digestion and overthinking; imbalances may lead to compulsive behaviours.
• Emotional Root Causes: TCM emphasises that emotions like fear, anger, sadness, and worry can weaken organ systems and create susceptibility to addiction. For instance:
  • Long-term sadness or grief can impair the Lungs (Metal element), reducing resilience.
  • Fear can weaken the Kidney (Water element), leading to feelings of instability and reliance on external substances for comfort.
• Blockage of Qi and Blood Stagnation: Prolonged addiction often creates blockages in the body’s energy pathways, leading to physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and digestive issues. This stagnation reinforces the cycle of dependency.

Treating addiction using acupuncture and other TCM modalities

TCM offers a variety of techniques to address this condition by restoring balance, supporting detoxification, and addressing emotional root causes, such as:

Acupuncture

By stimulating specific points, acupuncture aims to restore Qi’s flow, reduce cravings, and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which is critical in preventing relapse and may assist in enhancing the state of the key organs such as the liver, kidney and Heart. Acupuncture can be performed on one of the microsystems, such as the ears or a combination of ear and body points. The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) Protocol is widely used for addiction treatment. It involves stimulating five key ear points:

• Shen Men (Spirit Gate): Calms the mind and reduces stress.
• Sympathetic Point: Balances the nervous system.
• Kidney Point: Supports willpower and reduces fear.
• Liver Point: Detoxifies the body and reduces anger.
• Lung Point: Releases grief and supports respiration.

Chinee herbal medicine

Custom formulas target specific organ imbalances and support detoxification. For example, Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang may calm the Shen and resolve Liver Qi stagnation.

Qi Gong and Tai Chi

These movement practices promote Qi’s smooth flow, helping reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.

Dietary therapy

TCM dietary principles emphasise nourishing the affected organs. For example:

• Strengthening the Spleen with warm, easily digestible foods like congee.
• Supporting the liver with green leafy vegetables and sour foods.

Emotional and spiritual support

Addiction often involves disturbances in the Shen (spirit), housed in the Heart. Meditation, mindfulness, and counselling can help restore spiritual harmony and life purpose.

Integrating TCM with conventional treatments

TCM techniques can play a key role in complementing detox programs by alleviating withdrawal symptoms and supporting emotional well-being during recovery. These methods are gaining recognition in Western medicine as effective therapies for recovery, helping individuals manage both physical and emotional challenges. By adopting a combined approach, TCM holistically addresses this condition, respecting both the physical and energetic aspects and providing comprehensive care for the whole person.

Conclusion

TCM offers a unique and holistic perspective on addiction, viewing it as a disruption of energy balance influenced by emotional and physical factors. By addressing both the root causes and symptoms of addiction, TCM provides a pathway to recovery that emphasises harmony, resilience, and long-term health. As research and integration with Western medicine continue to grow, TCM holds promise as a vital part of a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment.

Treatments are gentle, relaxing, and cumulative — most people experience a shift in their sleep after a few sessions, and many report a more profound sense of calm even after the first visit. You may find our article on sleep hygiene helpful, too.

If you are considering acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine for addiction, here are some details about your local AHPRA-registered practitioner.

Book your appointment today or reach out with any questions that you might have.