Addiction
_{(Substance Use Disorders)}

Medical experts understand addiction as a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Research indicates that genetic predisposition plays a significant role in addiction susceptibility. Certain genetic variations can affect how individuals respond to substances and their likelihood of developing addictive behaviors. Addiction alters the brain's reward system, particularly the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine. Substances can hijack this system, leading to increased cravings and compulsive behavior. Imaging studies show changes in brain structure and function in individuals with addiction, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Regular use can lead to physical dependence, where the absence of the substance triggers withdrawal symptoms. Tolerance may also develop, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect.Many individuals with addiction also have co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Adverse childhood experiences, trauma, and chronic stress can increase the risk of addiction. These conditions can increase vulnerability to addiction as individuals may use substances as a coping mechanism. In Traditional Korean Medicine, the mechanism of addiction is understood as a negative interplay of multiple different biological systems. Once the powerful reward given by a particular substance or behavior is reinforced, the body’s self-regulating system is put into disarray. One organ system such as the Heart might be in overdrive in order to satisfy the addiction so as to deal with some mental trauma, while another organ system such as the Liver may be malfunctioning due to the high amount of processing and filtering it must complete. To rectify this pattern, practitioners believe that a multi-pronged approach is necessary: soothe down the overstimulated nervous system which seeks the reward, diminish the negative effects of withdrawal, and mentally lead the addicted person into a calmer state.Unlike Western medicine, which mostly relies on pharmacological treatments for addiction therapy, traditional Korean medicine can leverage the efficacy of non-drug therapies like acupuncture as a strength. Therefore, in the context of increasing social phenomena such as smoking, alcohol, internet, smartphone, and gaming addictions, understanding the precise mechanisms through a Korean medicine approach could position it as a preferred option in societal recognition. Traditional Korean Medicine employs these specific methods to deal with addiction issues.Ear acupuncture Ear acupuncture treatment helps regulate the secretion of various neuroregulatory substances, such as beta-endorphins from the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and dopamine from the lateral septal nucleus, aiding in pain relief and addiction suppressionHerbal Medicinecustomized herbal formulas can strengthen the organs involved, support detoxification, and alleviate anxiety or depression associated with addiction.Emotional and Lifestyle SupportTKM also recognizes the importance of addressing emotional issues and encourages practices that foster emotional health and resilienceTreatment Case: 24-year-old maleThe patient is a male, 24 years old. His symptoms began about a month before his visit, just after completing his mandatory military service. Although he had often played games before joining the military and even secretly charged in-game purchases on his parents’ account as a child, his gaming became more severe after discharge. He was spending entire days on mobile games, using his earnings from part-time jobs to pay for game content and gambling fees. He frequently stayed up all night at internet cafes, prioritizing gaming over real-life responsibilities. After discharge, he had promised his parents to resume school, graduate, and prepare for a job, but his motivation was low, leading to increased family conflict.According to his mother, Jin was typically gentle and introverted, rarely asserting his own opinions. His parents had divorced and were living separately, with his father, who had an explosive temper, often taking it out on the family. Jin experienced verbal abuse and violence frequently, which led to persistent depression and mood swings. Since his discharge, on days when he wasn’t working part-time, he would stay up all night gaming at internet cafes and then sleep during the day. Although he was attending university, he lacked motivation because he hadn’t been able to study his preferred major.The results of the Autonomic Nervous System Test showed that his sympathetic nervous system was somewhat overactive, though his blood pressure and heart rate were within normal ranges. His pulse was tense, his tongue was a deep red color with a thin yellow coating, indicating a lot of internal heat. He often felt warmth in his body, especially in his arms.Due to the stress of his parents' divorce and his father's violence, Jin had accumulated unresolved feelings of depression and anger. Over time, this emotional blockage transformed into heat, causing Heart and Liver Excess Heat Syndrome. Gaming became his primary escape from reality, and after leaving the military, this dependency worsened. Based on this diagnosis, his treatment plan included herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion.Herbal medicine was prescribed to cool down the heat in his heart and chest, relieving blocked energy caused by depression and anger, thereby promoting emotional stability and stress relief. Acupuncture and Moxibustion focused on areas that reduce heat in the heart and liver and stabilize his Qi and blood. He also received electroacupuncture, cupping, heat therapy, and moxibustion. He came for treatment 1–2 times per week.After week 2, Jin reported feeling relaxed and sleepy after treatment, and upon waking, he felt calm. He made efforts to reduce all-night gaming sessions at internet cafes and had limited his gaming time to 2-3 hours twice a week. He also promised to cut back on mobile gaming. After 3 Weeks, he started a new job with regular hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and decided to study for a certification exam. He drastically reduced mobile gaming and hardly played PC games that week. After 6 Weeks, Jin was working regularly and felt that keeping active helped clear his mind. Although he didn’t pass the certification exam, he was determined to try again. He set limits on his gaming, restricting it to 2 hours at home, and only visited an internet cafe once with friends. He stopped spending money on mobile games. After 8 Weeks, his life was becoming more structured, and he spent his free time socializing or resting rather than gaming. He reported that he hadn’t gamed at all that week. After 12 Weeks, realizing he was dissatisfied with his current job, he decided to pursue work in his field of study and started preparing for the certification exam again. He was too busy to game and didn’t feel stressed or uncomfortable without it.After finishing his herbal treatment, he continued with weekly maintenance sessions, including acupuncture, moxibustion, and counseling. Although he didn’t pass his recent certification exam, he avoided falling back into gaming and instead went on a trip with friends. Jin has nearly stopped gaming altogether, especially mobile gaming, and is pleased with the time and money he has saved. He expressed gratitude for his mother’s and the clinic’s support during his difficult times and now feels motivated to make positive plans for his future, with a newfound sense of purpose.