Well-Being and Addiction: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Addiction, whether it is substance-related or not, has been shown through various studies to have a negative impact on human health and well-being. This paper aims to shed light on the existing evidence of how addiction can adversely affect one’s psychological well-being. In a 2018 survey conducted by the Public Information Bureau, it was discovered that 14.6% of India’s population is addicted to alcohol, 2.83% to cannabis, and 2.1% to opioids. Moreover, new research suggests that non-drug addiction behaviors are also increasing, with 20% to 40% of young adults in India being vulnerable to the negative effects of “internet addiction,” which can lead to anxiety, aggression, and low self-satisfaction. DSM-5 recognizes substance-related disorders, including Gambling Disorder, but does not include other types of behavior addictions such as food, sex, impulsive buying, and internet gaming addiction, this may significantly affect people’s mental health and general well-being. Interestingly, one study has found that heroin addiction and internet gaming addiction affect the same region of the brain. While there are numerous studies on substance addiction, empirical data on non-substance addiction is lacking. Thus, further study on the long-term effects of non-substance addictions on mental health and well-being could be undertaken.