Introduction: Behavioral addictions describe behaviors that become compulsive and problematic. Adolescents with behavioral addiction report specific phenomena such as cravings, excessive behavior, psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms, loss of control, and the development of tolerance to the addiction. There are several types of behavioral or non-chemical addictions: gambling, sexual addiction, socially acceptable addictions involving work, excessive exercise, relationships, shopping, religion/spirituality, technology addiction, and food addiction. Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to explore the field of mental health during adolescence and to identify behavioral addictions in adolescents. Additionally, it aims to determine which interventions and disciplines are involved in the process of preventing internet abuse. Methods: In the thesis, a descriptive method with a review of scientific and professional literature was used. Articles were searched in databases: PubMed, Medline, DiKul, Google Scholar, and Obzornik zdravstvene nege. The literature search covered the period from May 2021 to August 2024. The literature review included sources published within the time frame from 2010 to 2022. Results: In the results, we described interventions from various proffesions for preventing internet addiction. Public institutions primarily use teachers and parents for raising awareness about excessive internet use, with an emphasis also on self-monitoring (by the adolescents themselves). Nurses in the healthcare process can be attentive to risk factors and involve adolescents in the treatment process. They can educate adolescents about signs of excessive internet use and its consequences. Discussion and conclusion: In addressing internet use abuse, both pharmacological and behavioral approaches are recognized. Adolescents dealing with depression are more susceptible to internet addiction, which can further negatively impact their daily functioning. Nurses play a crucial role in raising awareness of PIU (Problematic Internet Use) symptoms. There is limited published literature on successful nursing interventions for treating adolescents with behavioral addictions, which could serve as a basis and motivation for further research.
|
