Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addictions are compulsive behaviors that activate the brain’s reward system, leading to dependency and adverse effects on mental health and daily life. Sometimes referred to as process addictions, these conditions frequently co-occur with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

Common behavioral addictions include:

• Gambling disorder
• Internet gaming disorder
• Compulsive sexual behavior disorder
• Compulsive buying-shopping disorder
• Problematic social media use
• Excessive exercise addiction
• Food addiction or disordered eating behaviors
• Smartphone addiction
• Work addiction
• Television or streaming content bingeing

These behaviors can significantly disrupt daily functioning, relationships, and mental well-being, so specialized, evidence-based treatment is often necessary.

Behavioral addictions, also known as process addictions, are compulsive behaviors that stimulate the brain’s reward system, leading to dependency. While the specific symptoms vary by addiction type, the following are common signs of a process addiction:

• Increased preoccupation with the behavior – Individuals may spend excessive time thinking about, planning, or engaging in the behavior, often neglecting other responsibilities or interests. For example, those with a gambling addiction may continually strategize about the next bet.
• Loss of control – A hallmark of behavioral addictions is the inability to control or limit engagement in the behavior despite efforts to do so. The activity often occurs more frequently or for longer durations than intended.
• Tolerance and escalation – Similar to substance addictions, individuals may require increasing levels of the behavior to achieve the same sense of satisfaction or relief, such as needing longer gaming sessions to feel fulfilled.
• Negative consequences – Continued engagement in the behavior despite experiencing legal, financial, social, or health-related consequences. For instance, compulsive shoppers may accumulate significant debt.
• Withdrawal-like symptoms – When unable to engage in the behavior, individuals may experience irritability, restlessness, anxiety, or depression, mirroring withdrawal symptoms seen in substance use disorders.
• Impact on relationships and daily life – Behavioral addictions often lead to conflicts with family, friends, or colleagues, as well as poor performance at work, school, or in personal obligations.

Here’s a breakdown of common behavioral indicators associated with different types of behavioral addictions, helping to identify specific patterns and symptoms.

• Gambling addiction – Risky bets, chasing losses, financial secrecy, lying about gambling habits.
• Internet gaming addiction – Disrupted sleep, neglect of hygiene or meals, decreased physical activity.
• Compulsive sexual behavior – Engagement in risky sexual behaviors, excessive use of pornography, and secretive actions.
• Compulsive shopping – Accumulating debt, hiding purchases, and feeling guilty after shopping.

Social media addiction – Constant checking of platforms, inability to reduce usage, prioritizing virtual over real-life interactions.

Knowing when to seek help for behavioral addictions is critical to preventing long-term consequences. Consider seeking professional treatment if:

• The behavior interferes with daily responsibilities, relationships, or work.
• Attempts to reduce or stop the behavior have been unsuccessful.
• The behavior leads to financial, legal, or personal consequences.
• You experience intense cravings, preoccupation, or distress related to the behavior.
• The behavior is a coping mechanism for emotional pain, stress, or mental health challenges.

Early intervention can make all the difference. At Lifeskills, we provide evidence-based therapies and tailored support to help individuals regain control and rebuild their lives. Contact us today to start your recovery journey.