Following the results of extensive research conducted over the past 2 decades behavioural addictions facilitated by technologies are now recognised as serious pathologies. A crossover between the use of psychoactive substances and behavioural addictions and the problematic use of information and communication technologies is widely observed. Despite the existing research and evidence this clinical phenomenon has so far received little political attention. To provide an overview of the state of research, anticipated public health effects, and outline ideas how to address the challenges, the Pompidou Group with the lead of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation is organising an online International Symposium on ‘Addictions of the 21st Century: Challenges and Effective Responses’. The symposium will be organised on 15 July 2021 with English/Russian interpretation.

The symposium will focus on 2 major themes: behavioural addictions facilitated by technologies and correlation between substance use and problematic use of new technologies.

Agenda of the international symposium