IFAC (Federative Institute for Behavioural Addictions) brings together three specialist centres that conduct research, training and information on behavioural addictions. The institute's website provides help and information on the subject.

http://www.ifac-addictions.fr

TOPIC

Information site on behavioural addictions.

WHO IS CONCERNED

The site is aimed at all people suffering from behavioural addictions: compulsive shopping, food addictions, sexual and emotional addictions, gambling, money and video game addictions, sectarian addictions, excessive physical activity, etc. Health professionals can also supplement their knowledge on the subject, or even take part in training courses.

OBJECTIVE

The IFAC website is a first step in the process of caring for patients developing a behavioural addiction, by providing them with precise information on their illness and on the structures that can help them.

ORIGIN

In 2008, the CRJE (Reference Center on Excessive Gambling) was born from an initiative of the Nantes University Hospital. Three years later, this center was associated with the CRESA (Reference Center on Sports and Food Excesses) and the CRDASS (Reference Center on Emotional, Sexual and Cultic Addictions) to form the IFAC.

CONTENT

The site presents the actions carried out by the institute and offers detailed information on the different behavioral addictions. A space is entirely dedicated to dependent people who wish to be treated, including information on suitable structures and types of care, a directory of care centers, a review of online help sites, as well as assessment tests. A documentary space, a news feed, a conference calendar on the subject and a FAQ are also offered.

THE MOST

IFAC regularly organizes training courses for health professionals to help them prevent, diagnose and manage pathologies related to behavioral addictions. Practical information (registration form, agenda, access maps, etc.) is available on the IFAC website.

IFAC - Addiction Department of the Nantes University Hospital PHU Psychiatry and Mental Health Louis-Philippe Building - Saint Jacques Hospital85, rue Saint Jacques44093 Nantes cedex 1Tel.: + 33 (0)2 40 84 76 20

Author: Mateo BARAHONA