Dr. Guilherme Bastos Martins, a psychiatrist at The Clinic of Change and co-director of the Sintra branch of the Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies, was the latest guest on the Mal, Obrigado! podcast, created by the Bento Menni Foundation with the aim of increasing health literacy.
The doctor debated fundamental questions about the prevention, treatment and social impact of addiction, covering topics ranging from discrimination against illicit drugs to the importance of assisted consumption rooms.
In the conversation, which lasts almost an hour and which you can listen to in full here, Dr. Bastos Martins points out that addiction behaviors are often framed in the judicial sphere, resulting in their predominant perception as a criminal issue to the detriment of a health-centered approach. This perspective not only hinders the implementation of appropriate therapeutic interventions, but also perpetuates stigmas that keep patients away from specialized services.
In this context, the psychiatrist praises the existence of multidisciplinary teams in specialized services that move away from the medical-centric model, which is an essential step in reformulating treatment strategies. These teams, which include therapists and social workers, seek to focus treatment on a broader dimension adapted to the patient's reality, reinforcing the effectiveness of the interventions.
When asked what symptoms and warning signs to look out for when talking about addictive behaviors, the doctor stresses that the denial phase is a critical feature of addictive behavior. "One of the characteristics of addictive behavior is the denial phase. It's a gray area between self-determination and loss of freedom. If that's a thought, if that's an idea, it means you may already be on the road to trouble," he adds.
The mere fact that an individual wonders about their relationship with a substance can be an indication that they are already on a problematic path. In such cases, the recommendation is clear: "Seek help, go and ask a health professional, expose the problem," explains the psychiatrist.
For Dr. Guilherme Bastos Martins, it is essential to know that there are specialized structures that offer shelter without moralizing or condemnation. The role of these services is also to answer questions and help with early recognition of the problem.
Another important point addressed in the episode is the unpredictability of consumption, driven by emotionally charged memories. Often, these memories are capable of triggering a relapse, even at unexpected moments. Psychological dependence, according to Dr. Martins, can be a useful concept, but difficult to distinguish, unlike physical dependence, which is highly objective.
For the psychiatrist, all dimensions of life can be affected by addictive behavior. However, not all of them collapse simultaneously. The earliest impact usually occurs in the work sphere, followed by social relationships. The family is usually the last stronghold, but it also suffers the consequences of continued consumption.
Interestingly, the physical damage of addiction is late and can delay asking for help, prolonging a damaging cycle.
The conversation with Dr. Guilherme Bastos Martins leaves a clear message: addiction is not a moral failing, but a condition that requires attention, understanding and specialized support. The road to recovery lies first and foremost in welcoming people and making information accessible to everyone.
Listen to the full podcast here.
A The Clinic of Change é um prestador de cuidados de saúde com o n.º E166508, sediado na Rua das Picoas, 12 R/C, 1050-173 Lisboa, com licença de funcionamento n.º 22863/2023, inscrito na ERS com o n.º 39467.
O Dr. Guilherme Bastos Martins é Médico Psiquiatra, com cédula profissional n.º 52447, emitida pela Ordem dos Médicos.
