Addiction

Addiction is a complex and chronic condition that affects the brain, behavior, and overall functioning of an individual. It is not limited solely to substance use but can also involve behaviors, such as pathological gambling, excessive internet use, or other compulsive activities. A central characteristic of addiction is the repeated engagement in a substance or behavior despite negative consequences on physical health, mental balance, interpersonal relationships, and daily life.

At a neurobiological level, addiction is associated with dysfunctions in the brain’s reward circuits, impulse control, and decision-making. Repeated exposure to addictive stimuli leads to changes in brain function, enhancing craving and reducing self-regulation capacity. Psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and difficulties in emotional regulation, often play a critical role in the development and maintenance of addiction.

Addiction is not a sign of weak character but a multifactorial condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Early recognition and understanding of addiction are crucial, as the condition can progressively worsen if left untreated. Recovery requires a holistic approach that considers both the individual and their wider environment, aiming for the gradual restoration of functionality, autonomy, and quality of life.

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a chronic condition that significantly affects physical and mental health. The severity and course of addiction vary from person to person, depending on the frequency and quantity of consumption, as well as personal life history. Prolonged use affects brain function, particularly circuits related to concentration, mood, and decision-making, causing difficulty in functioning normally without the daily “dose.”

The impact of alcohol is also shaped by factors such as family difficulties or previous mental health diagnoses. Recognizing the addiction is often a difficult step and usually requires support from the family environment and the intervention of a specialized medical team. Without this support, acknowledging the addiction may be impossible, making timely intervention and guidance essential for addressing the condition.

Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a deeply complex and chronic condition that affects multiple levels of an individual’s body and life. Dependence is not limited to the substance itself but affects neurobiology, behavior, cognition, and emotional balance. Long-term use leads to changes in brain reward and impulse control circuits, reducing self-regulation and increasing the intense need to use the substance.

The development and severity of addiction depend on a combination of factors: psychological difficulties, traumatic experiences, social environment, and previous mental health diagnoses. Recognizing the addiction is often a difficult, emotionally charged process that requires support from the family environment and a specialized treatment team. Without this support, acknowledgment of the condition and the intention to change are delayed, reinforcing the vicious cycle of addiction. Addressing addiction requires holistic, individualized care that combines medical, psychological, and social interventions, aiming to restore functionality, autonomy, and quality of life.

Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addictions, such as sexual hyperactivity or compulsive sexual behavior, pathological gambling (gambling disorder), and excessive internet use, are complex psychological conditions that significantly impact life and mental functioning. Although no chemical substances are involved, the neurobiological mechanisms activated are similar to those in substance addictions: brain reward and impulse circuits reinforce behaviors and reduce self-regulation capacity, creating intense craving and repeated engagement despite negative consequences.

The development and severity of these addictions are influenced by multiple factors, including personal trauma, psychological difficulties, social pressures, and challenges in emotional regulation. Recognizing and acknowledging the condition is often a difficult and emotionally charged step, requiring support from the family environment and intervention by specialized treatment teams. Holistic management of behavioral addictions involves psychological support, cognitive restructuring, and social intervention, aiming to restore self-regulation, functionality, and quality of life.

How Addiction is Treated at Marieva Medcare

Ilioupoli

At our offices in Ilioupoli, technological and medical interventions are adapted to the biological background of addiction. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targets specific brain networks involved in impulse control and reward processing, aiming to reduce craving intensity and restore prefrontal cortex function. It is applied as a complementary method within selected protocols under clinical supervision. Ozone therapy is used as an adjunctive intervention to improve tissue oxygenation and support metabolic recovery in cases of prolonged toxicity, contributing to faster replenishment of energy deficits and immune system support. Bioresonance is integrated as a complementary tool for functional assessment and regulation, aiming to detect and monitor functional imbalances associated with relapse vulnerability. We could not overlook the significant presence of psychological and pharmacological support at Marieva Medcare. The psychologist assesses the psychological and behavioral factors contributing to addiction, applying strategies of psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and self-regulation skills to reduce the urge to use and enhance emotional management. At the same time, the psychiatrist focuses on the clinical evaluation and management of the biological dimension of addiction, prescribing pharmacotherapy when necessary and monitoring neurochemical balance, thus supporting effective recovery and relapse prevention. Finally, IV therapies are individually designed to restore micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., B-complex vitamins, trace elements) and support neurotransmitter pathways, measures that reduce fatigue, improve cognitive function, and facilitate engagement in psychotherapeutic interventions. All interventions are delivered according to medical protocols, individualized planning, and continuous supervision by our multidisciplinary clinical team.

Glyfada

At the exclusive Glyfada residence, physiotherapeutic and complementary methods are directly adapted to addiction patterns. For behavioral addictions (pathological sexual behavior, gambling disorder, compulsive internet use), hypnotherapy is applied to intervene in the automatic activation of maladaptive patterns, reprogram associative responses, and reduce impulsive urges. Energy therapies and Reiki are used as supportive practices to decrease autonomic nervous system hyperarousal, improve sleep quality, and enhance emotional processing, facilitating psychotherapeutic work. In contrast, for substance and alcohol addictions, long-term, stable care is provided that combines a structured exercise program with a personal trainer a scientifically designed physical activity protocol aimed at safely activating the endogenous dopaminergic system (replacing addictive reward) and improving mood without substances. This physical intervention is supported by therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and Pilates, which reduce somatic stress, improve body awareness, and enhance self-regulation. All elements are integrated into an individualized rehabilitation plan under medical and psychological supervision.