The subject of addiction is particularly sensitive.

TheWHO provides the following definition: "By addiction we mean a transformation of behaviour that becomes from a simple habit an exaggerated and pathological search for pleasure through the means or substances or behaviour resulting in the pathological condition" and more specifically "apsychological, sometimes also physical, condition resulting from the interaction between an organism and a substance, characterised by behavioural and other responses including a compulsive need to take the substance continuously or periodically, in order to experience its psychic effects and sometimes to avoid the discomfort of its deprivation".

The most common addictions within our Society are those resulting from tobacco, alcohol and drug use, but there are also addictions not directly related to substance use such as gambling or adult entertainment.

The best sustainability approach aimed at developing anaddiction-free Society is that of addiction prevention, through accurate information about the risks one faces and avoiding promoting and funding Society that produce and sell tobacco, alcohol or other unequivocally addictive products.

The topic of addiction is treated mainly through the exclusion approach of the economic activities involved.

A proper value chain analysis of companies must be made to determine whether they operate in controversial areas.
A comprehensive analysis includes :

"the upstream activities" : the financing of the companies involved
"Production" : the design and creation of controversial products and services
"Downstream activities" : the distribution and sale of the controversial products.

Controversial sectors that generate dependencies monitored by the funds are :

• The production and sale of tobacco ;
• The production and sale of recreational drugs ;
• The production and sale of spirits products ;
• the Society related to adult entertainment
• the Society gambling-related

The current situation sees 68% of sustainable funds committed to the exclusion of certain activities that can cause addiction. In detail:

• 44% rule out gambling
• 37 percent exclude adult entertainment
• 66% exclude the sale or production of tobacco
• 29% exclude the sale or production of spirits
• 3% excludes the sale or production of recreational drugs