Food for the Brain analyzes the challenges of psychotherapeutic support in addictions

Psychologist Rafael Aldave discussed the multifactorial impact of addictions, social stigmatization, and the challenges of reintegration, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen public policies and comprehensive care models in Mexico.

On October 21, 2025, a new edition of Food for the Brain was held, organized by BINCA. On this occasion, the space for reflection featured the participation of Psychologist Rafael Aldave, who delivered a lecture titled “Between Rehabilitation and the System: Challenges of Psychotherapeutic Support in Addictions.”

During the session, the speaker offered a comprehensive overview of addictions, explaining their multifactorial nature and their profound impact on public health. He emphasized that addictions are not limited to substance use but can also manifest through compulsive behaviors, and that addressing them requires an integrated approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors. He noted that, within the Mexican context, addictions represent a growing issue affecting primarily young and working-age adults, with direct consequences for family cohesion, public health, and social welfare.

One of the key points discussed was the personal, family, and social impact of individuals struggling with addiction. Psych. Aldave described how addiction disrupts the emotional and functional structure of families. On a social level, he highlighted the persistent stigma faced by people with addictions in Mexico, which limits their access to care and complicates rehabilitation processes.

The speaker also addressed social reintegration projects for individuals with a history of addiction who have committed minor offenses, outlining how these programs aim to offer a second chance through supervised rehabilitation, education, job training, and psychological support. He emphasized that in Mexico, these efforts—while valuable—still present areas of opportunity, such as the lack of interinstitutional coordination, weak links between health and justice systems, and prevailing social prejudices that hinder true reintegration into the community.

The session concluded with a reflection on the collective responsibility toward addressing addiction and the need to strengthen public policies that promote prevention, therapeutic support, and effective reintegration.