An Overview of Behavioral Addiction

An Overview of Behavioral Addiction More in Addiction Addictive Behaviors Caffeine Internet Shopping Sex Alcohol Use Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Most people understand addiction when it comes to a dependence on substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, illicit drugs, or even prescription medications, but they have a hard time with the concept of addictive behaviors. Yet, its also possible to develop a behavioral addiction. In fact, people can get hooked on everything from gambling to sex to the Internet.?? Some activities are so normal that its hard to believe people can become addicted to them. Yet the cycle of addiction can still take over, making everyday life a constant struggle. People may seek out more and more opportunities to engage in the behavior. The desire to experience a high from the behavior becomes so strong that the individual continues to engage in the activity despite negative consequences. In some cases, people can also experience withdrawal, including negative emotions and other symptoms, when they arent able to engage in the activity. What You Should Know About Behavioral Addictions Although even experts disagree about whether behavioral addictions are real addictions, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) explicitly included behaviors in the addictions category. Gambling disorder is the only officially recognized behavioral addiction.?? Outside the world of professional psychiatry and psychology, the media has taken on and embraced the concepts of behavioral addictions, such as sex addiction and shopping addiction, as well as activities that are not included in the discussion about addiction such as self-injury (cutting), and multiple plastic surgeries. Behavioral addictions (also called process addictions) follow the same pattern as substance-based addictions, and they result in problems in many areas of the individuals life. Behavioral addictions have similar effects to substance addictions on relationships, which are often neglected in favor of the addictive behavior, undermining trust and putting pressure on partners and other family members to cover up and make up for difficulties arising from the addiction.?? Even if you cant find a service specializing in behavioral addiction, a psychiatrist or psychologist will still be able to help you change your problematic behaviors, improve your relationships, and cope without the addiction. Types of Addictive Behavior Although not all of these addictions are recognized by the DSM-5, the leading diagnostic guide for the mental health profession, many healthcare providers believe these are real addictions. And some behavioral addictions are more common than others, including: Gambling addictionSex addictionInternet addictionShopping addictionVideo game addictionFood addictionExercise  addictionWork addictionTattoo addictionLove addictionPorn addiction Even when not specifically labeled as an addiction, the behaviors can lead to real problems in an individuals life, functioning, and relationships. These behaviors can also create considerable distress and be difficult to change, even when the person wants to stop engaging in such actions. If the behavior is causing distress and disrupting your life, talk to your doctor or mental health care professional. Signs of Behavioral Addictions Understanding the addictive process and the danger signs can help you to tell the difference between addictive behavior, problematic behavior thats not an addiction, and normal behavior thats non-problematic or healthy. Red flags include:?? Spending the majority of your time engaging in the behavior, thinking about or arranging to engage in the behavior, or recovering from the effectsBecoming dependent on the behavior as a way to cope with emotions and to “feel normal”Continuing despite physical and/or mental harmHaving trouble cutting back despite wanting to stopNeglecting work, school, or family to engage in the behavior more oftenExperiencing symptoms of withdrawal (for example, depression, irritability) when trying to stopMinimizing or hiding the extent of the problem How to Know the Symptoms of an Addiction Living With a Behavioral Addiction It can be difficult to admit to yourself, let alone anyone else, that you have a problem, and it can be even harder when the problem is poorly understood, and may not be taken seriously by friends and family. Understanding the stages of change will help you to be gentler on yourself if you arent ready to seek help. If you feel you dont want to seek help in overcoming your behavioral addiction at this time, focus on ensuring that your behavior doesnt harm those around you, or yourself. Even if you dont want to tell other people about your problem, try not to lie to those closest to you.   Self-help can be an important first step. Consider finding out more about the behavior and some of the ways you can manage it. Next Steps to Consider Often people with behavioral addictions eventually tire of the toll their behavior takes on their lives and the lives of those around them. They may also suffer losses that seem too great to bear, such as money problems, or relationship problems. What had at one time seemed exciting and fulfilling becomes an embarrassing burden. Fortunately for those suffering from behavioral addictions, treatments that have been developed to treat substance dependencies have been successfully used to treat behavioral addictions.?? Addiction professionals are developing competencies to treat a range of addictions, and clinics exist that specialize in treating behavioral addictions. You can also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist, who is skilled in helping people to overcome emotional difficulties and making changes in their lives. Treatment May Include... Cognitive behavioral therapyOne-on-one or couples counselingMedicationsGroup therapySelf-help groups A Word From Verywell   Many people live with behavioral addictions, and although they can wreak havoc on your life, it is possible to recover. Talk to your doctor when you are ready to take the next step. The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs