As part of the Early Recognition and Action in the Case of Behavioral Addictions with a Focus on Risky Online Behavior project, which we are implementing from 2024 to 2026 in collaboration with Psychological Counseling Center Posvet, we are preparing a training programme for professionals.

We would like to thank the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia for the opportunity to implement the project.

Participants

We conducted a survey in which we analyzed the current situation and needs of professionals working in the field of non-chemical addictions in Slovenia, because we are aware of how important it is to know the target group before creating content for them. The findings of the survey, which included 315 professionals from the fields of education, healthcare, social welfare, and non-governmental organizations, serve as a source of information to make the training program as meaningful and useful as possible for participants.

We are pleased to have received responses from such a diverse range of professionals - the survey included counselors, teachers, professors and educators, (clinical) psychologists and psychotherapists, social workers, educators, healthcare professionals, doctors, management positions, youth workers, and others.

The Issue of Non-Chemical Addictions

Based on the results of the survey, we conclude that training for professionals is essential, as 28 % of participants meet with people with signs of non-chemical addictions several times a week, while only 10 % do not meet with them even a few times a year. The majority of professionals (almost 70 %) emphasize the need for knowledge about social media addiction and general internet addiction. In about half of the cases, they need more knowledge about video game addiction and other non-chemical addictions. One-third of professionals recognize the need for knowledge about sex or pornography addiction, while one-quarter recognize the need for knowledge about gambling addiction. 

Although the name of the project highlights risky online behavior, the training will also focus on other types of non-chemical addictions. Among other behavioral areas, professionals most frequently recognize signs of addiction in the area of eating habits (62 %), followed by relationships and work (approximately 50 %). 37,2 % of participants notice excessive shopping and 34,6 % excessive working out.

Obstacles in treatment

Participants report that they need more knowledge in all the defined thematic areas to effectively perform their work - from understanding addiction, signs and risk factors to understanding comprehensive treatment approaches and the options of other sources of help. The most important factors that hinder the effective treatment of individuals with signs of non-chemical addictions are identified by respondents as denial of problems, lack of motivation in users, the simultaneous presence of other disorders, and lack of motivation for cooperation from family members or loved ones.

The fact that only 13% of participants perceive sufficient support in their organization for recognizing and addressing individuals with signs of non-chemical addictions also indicates the problems that need to be addressed and resolved.

Training

We are noticing that early recognition of the signs of non-chemical addictions in a society that normalizes excessive use of digital devices and excessive involvement in other areas (eating, relationships, work) is very difficult, but it is crucial due to the possibility of rapid development of negative consequences. The three-day training, which will be held in seven statistical regions, will equip professionals with both theoretical and practical knowledge to better navigate conversations about social media, video games, online sex, online gambling, etc. and to better assess when a situation is risky or problematic.

We will introduce participants to the rapidly changing digital world, the communities that form there, the motives for use, and the complexity of non-chemical addictions, and guide them in developing treatment skills, thereby contributing to the establishment of a supportive environment for strengthening mental health. The training will also be an excellent opportunity for networking among colleagues from the same or other sectors, which can improve interdepartmental cooperation. The focus of the last day of training will be on sharing personal experiences and obtaining help for a specific work situation, where it is good to know the content and capabilities of other experts. All participants will also receive practical materials to support them even after the training is over.