When it comes to addiction, people often think of drugs, alcohol, or smoking as the primary causes. But behavioral addictions are real, and they can be just as hard to overcome as drug addiction or alcoholism. As more people become aware of the power of addiction, understanding the causes and consequences of a behavioral addiction has become increasingly crucial. In this article, we’ll cover the definition of a behavioral addiction and explain the signs, symptoms, and treatments.
Behavioral addiction, also known as process addiction, is a pattern of behavior that can be compulsive and habitual. People with a behavioral addiction often experience changes in their behavior, feelings, and thoughts when engaging in a certain behavior. It’s important to note that a behavior can be considered an addiction even if it doesn’t involve an outside substance, such as drugs or alcohol. We’ll cover some of the most common types of behavioral addiction below.
Gambling is one of the most common types of behavioral addiction. It involves engaging in a pattern of risky behavior in which the gambler hopes to “win big.” People with a gambling addiction feel compelled to bet larger and larger amounts of money, often leading to financial distress or even bankruptcy.
Shopping is another common behavioral addiction. People with this addiction often feel an urge to purchase items and may engage in reckless spending to “feel better.” The thrill of shopping overcomes their emotions and can lead to serious financial problems.
The use of social media is another type of behavioral addiction. People with a social media addiction often find themselves unable to pull away from their screens. They may become overly focused on the latest trends, the need for validation from others, and comparisons to other users.
Exercising, gaming, and internet use are also considered behavioral addictions. People with these addictions often go overboard and spend increasingly more time these activities in order to “get away from it all” or to “relax.”
Addiction is a complicated process. It’s important to note that addiction won’t just go away on its own. People struggling with a behavioral addiction need to take a proactive approach to get help. Understanding the signs and symptoms of behavioral addiction is important to notice if addiction is taking over your life.
Common signs of a behavioral addiction include feeling a high after participating in the behavior, strong cravings or urges to do the behavior, spending too much time doing the behavior, neglecting important activities, and feeling guilty about engaging in the behavior. In some cases, physical side effects can result from the underlying psychological issue that is feeding into the addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a behavioral addiction, it is important to seek help right away. Treatment for behavioral addiction will often involve psychotherapy or counseling to help the individual address the underlying issues causing the addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and behavior modification techniques may also be used.
Support groups can also be beneficial for people with addiction. These groups can provide an opportunity to talk with others who are dealing with similar difficulties. Support groups are a great way for individuals to learn from one another and to gain valuable insights into the recovery process.
Oftentimes, addiction can be overwhelming and it can feel like an uphill battle. But recovery is possible. With the right resources and support, people with a behavioral addiction can begin to take back control and start to live a healthier and happier life.