Published on  

How to recognize and overcome an addiction when living abroad

Addictions remain a taboo topic among expatriates. Behind the postcard-perfect image of an expat enjoying life abroad with great advantages sometimes lies a more complex reality: smoking, alcohol, drugs, and behavioral dependencies. The underlying causes? Isolation, work-related stress, and the challenge of adapting to a new environment. International mobility often heightens psychological vulnerability. An addiction is a dependence on a substance or activity that negatively impacts a person’s health and daily life. It’s time to break the taboo. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of addiction, why they may worsen abroad, the warning signs to watch for, and most importantly, how to manage addictions while living overseas.