Behavioral Addictions: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

As modern life becomes more pervasive, behavioral addictions are becoming increasingly common. The internet, cell phones, and other technological advances have elevated people's access to certain activities, providing an easier way to become addicted to them. Although these types of behavioral addictions often aren't physical in nature, as with drug and alcohol abuse, they can still be just as destructive and lead to a range of serious consequences if left unchecked.

Behavioral addictions that were once considered rare or didn't even exist have become increasingly common, and some, like social media addiction, are even seen as normative phenomena.

In this comprehensive article, we will discuss the common addictive disorders and behaviors, their symptoms, causes, and how they can be treated.

From gambling to internet usage, shopping, and sex, there are a number of addictive behaviors that are referred to collectively as behavioral or process addictions. While these activities can be enjoyable and rewarding in moderation, when they become compulsive or excessive, it is considered behavioral addiction.

A Process addiction differs from a substance addiction as the individual does not ingest any mind-altering drugs or chemicals; however, the brain's reward system and pathways still become activated by engaging in such behaviors.

Those affected by behavioral addictions struggle to abstain from these unhealthy habits in spite of knowing the serious repercussions. Feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety are standard but are outweighed by the urge to engage in these activities.

The following section will discuss similarities between substance use disorders and process addictions in more detail.

As an analogy, one may say that while both behavioral and substance addictions are two sides of the same coin, their underlying composition varies significantly.

On the surface level, addictive behavior manifests itself differently for each type of addiction; whereas substance addictions involve physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, behavioral addictions rely more heavily upon psychological compulsion than physiological need. For example, gambling can create intense cravings even without any tangible item being used as reinforcement - unlike substances such as cocaine, where actual ingestion must occur before its effects can be felt.

In many cases, the source of these behaviors often differs from those associated with traditional drug addiction or alcohol abuse: Substance abuse often stems from environmental factors like peer pressure or social norms. In contrast, behavioral addictions tend to arise from deeper mental health issues.

With treatment for behavioral addiction, the emphasis is more on breaking habitual patterns of behavior. If a person's addiction involves substances like drugs or alcohol, treatment will focus on therapies that help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.

This isn't an exhaustive list, but we will explore some examples of addictive behaviors that can have negative consequences on someone’s life. There are other forms of compulsive behaviors out there that we may not have discussed in this article.

Phone addiction is an alarming problem plaguing millions of individuals worldwide and shows no signs of slowing down. People are becoming so dependent on their phones that they can't function, unable to lead everyday lives without them.

Common symptoms include constantly checking the phone, feeling anxious when not using it, and neglecting other areas of life due to phone use. Physical health issues such as eye strain and neck pain are also common.

The causes of phone addiction may include social pressure to stay connected, boredom, and feelings of loneliness or anxiety.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the addiction and may include CBT, support groups, and setting limits on phone use. With proper treatment methods and support, people struggling with phone addiction can find a balance between technology and real life again.

Much like phone addiction, internet addiction is arguably one of the most pervasive behavioral addictions in our current age. It is risky behavior that also feeds into many of the other addictions we are discussing here, and now that we have the internet 24/7. At work, on the go, and at home, this internet addiction is becoming an increasingly challenging one to manage.

Symptoms may include irritability when not using the internet, preoccupation with thoughts about it, neglecting activities that used to be enjoyable due to spending too much time online, and strained relationships from becoming isolated from friends and family.

The causes for internet addiction vary widely depending on individual circumstances; however, a common factor is a lack of meaningful social connections offline. The internet can provide a welcome respite from reality for many that can quickly become an unhealthy escape.

Successful behavioral therapy can help individuals manage their screen time and engage in healthier activities offline.

This brings us to social media, a ripe breeding ground for addiction and all its side effects. Whether it’s Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, social media can be an exhausting race to the bottom in terms of comparison and feelings of inadequacy.

Symptoms of social media addiction include constantly checking accounts, feeling anxious when not on them, neglecting relationships due to being glued to your screen, and difficulty concentrating or staying present in other areas of life.

The causes are similar to those of internet addiction: poor self-esteem, loneliness, boredom, etc.

In addition, the dopamine hit of likes and shares can feed the constant loop of needing validation from others and further contribute to addictive behavior.

Treatment for social media addiction can help individuals recognize their triggers, set healthy boundaries with technology, create meaningful relationships offline, and learn better ways of managing emotions without relying on social media.

Games Consoles, Mobile games, and PC gaming, you no longer have to visit an arcade to get your video game fix - it can all be done from the comfort of your home or cell phone.

This increased access to gaming has opened up a whole new world of addiction, with gamers becoming so engrossed in this other world that they neglect other areas of life and their physical and mental health. Games offer an escape from reality into a seemingly perfect world where people can find a sense of identity and purpose that may be harder to come by offline.

What's more, video game companies understand the psychology of addiction and design their games to keep players hooked.

Spending excessive time gaming can result in issues that include sleep and physical health problems, depression, social isolation, and poor academic performance.

Treatment for video game addiction involves identifying the underlying causes, which could be a lack of fulfilling activities elsewhere in their lives or a need for escapism.

The right therapy can help gaming addicts develop healthier relationships with the digital world by identifying and managing their triggers better, setting usage limits, and engaging in more beneficial activities offline to replace the hours spent playing games.

Gambling addictions are like a rollercoaster that never stops; the ups and downs are what keep people hooked and coming back for more. The thrill of the unknown and potential windfall can become too much to resist, even with the knowledge that, sadly, the house always wins in the end.

This type of problem gambling behavior has been the case throughout the millennia, but with the convenience of no end of online gambling sites to choose from, it has become easier than ever to get hooked.

A gambling disorder can have far-reaching adverse consequences, from financial woes from overspending or borrowing from friends and family to relationship issues. Potential health problems as a result of anxiety or stress are also likely. Self-esteem can also suffer, and those with a gambling addiction disorder also can be prone to bouts of depression and guilt.

Treatment for gambling addiction aims to help individuals regain control of their lives and finances, impulse control, and develop better coping skills. Therapy also allows people to get to the heart of why they began gambling in the first place, enabling them to tackle any underlying issues.

The marketers call it 'shopping therapy' as if it's something people should do to make themselves feel better, but for many shoppers, sure, they'll need therapy, but it's not the kind that completes a sale.

Shopping addiction is an impulse-control disorder that causes a rush of pleasure when buying things. This feeling is often short-lived, and the cycle of 'buy-use-discard' continues until there are serious consequences – financial, mental illness, and relationship problems. Not discounting the stress and depression that shopping addiction can cause as well.

We don't want to be too down on the internet, it has many positives, but the sheer convenience of online shopping makes it amazingly easy for someone so inclined to give in to their addiction. Same-day delivery and buy now, pay later options to make it even harder to resist.

Treatment for Shopping Addiction is twofold: firstly, psychotherapy to help identify triggers and develop a healthier attitude towards buying things, and secondly, lifestyle changes such as setting budgets and taking money-free days. Breaking the vicious cycle of shopping addiction involves managing stress in more constructive ways, as well as participating in support groups to share stories and experiences with other individuals facing similar struggles.

This addiction is a compulsive behavior in which someone seeks out, views, and masturbates to pornography, often resulting in harmful or negative consequences. Symptoms associated with this type of addiction include preoccupation with sexual thoughts, neglecting obligations to view porn, feeling guilty or ashamed after viewing it, and withdrawal symptoms when unable to access pornography. In some instances, it has even resulted in legal ramifications.

Relationship problems and difficulties with intimacy are often the consequences of porn addiction, and some addicts may experience physical changes in the brain, such as decreased sensitivity to pleasure.

Mental health, surroundings, the dynamics of their family life, and previous experiences with trauma can all play a role in porn addiction. Still, the reasons will differ from person to person. Therapy can help build healthy coping strategies to change the relationship with pornography.

An obsessive drive for validation, approval, and love from others characterizes this maladaptive behavior. People with relationship addiction compulsively seek out relationships to avoid feelings of emptiness or insecurity. The individual may also use relationships as a way to feel loved and accepted, even if the connections are superficial or unhealthy.

Unfortunately, these misguided attempts at intimacy may lead to unfulfilling outcomes and an overall decrease in self-esteem.

Signs of relationship addiction are engaging in multiple simultaneous romantic relationships, having difficulty ending negative relationships, displaying codependent behavior towards partners, and feeling anxious when not involved in a relationship.

The causes of this condition are usually linked to adverse childhood experiences, such as maltreatment, low self-worth, lack of familial connection and social support networks, depression, and poor communication skills. Besides these external influences, studies suggest a potential genetic disposition may make some individuals more likely to fall into addictive relationships.

Treatment usually centers on improving communication skills, developing healthier relationships with friends and family, and working through attachment issues.

Food addiction is an all-too-common behavioral addiction where people become obsessively focused on certain foods, particularly those that are sugary or fatty, sometimes finding it impossible to stop eating after they are full.

Not only can an eating disorder lead to numerous physical health complications such as weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol levels, but also the psychological burden of feeling guilt and shame, affecting self-esteem.

Treatment options for food addiction include therapy to address underlying psychological issues related to the disorder, support groups that provide encouragement from others going through similar experiences, and lifestyle changes like exercise or healthy meal planning, which helps in avoiding trigger foods while promoting healthier eating habits.

While it would be rare to go to see your doctor, and they suggest not exercising, the reality is that for some people exercising too much could be worse than not working out at all.

Exercise addiction manifests itself in some people with an excessive and compulsive drive to stay physically active and push themselves beyond the point of exhaustion.

The signs of exercise addiction are often easy to miss because they may appear similar to healthier behaviors associated with regular exercise.

Those with an exercise addiction often feel a sense of euphoria when exercising and may become addicted to that feeling. There will be an urge to go for a run or lift weights despite exhaustion or injury. Exercise addicts often prioritize their fitness regime over other activities, such as socializing or even eating properly, which makes them more prone to health complications from overexerting themselves. They might also feel guilt when not exercising and get emotionally distressed if they miss a workout.

The causes are still being studied, but it's likely to have something to do with endorphin release during exercise, negative body image issues or even a lack of positive reinforcement in other areas of everyday life.

Treating this addiction generally involves getting to the bottom of the underlying psychological issues fueling it, such as low self-confidence. To replace obsessive exercising, individuals can take up activities or hobbies that are less taxing on the body.

Conspiracy theory addiction is a behavioral addiction where an individual harbors beliefs in unsubstantiated conspiracy theories and fringe beliefs that aren't supported by evidence or fact. People with this behavior addiction will invest hours upon hours of time researching, discussing, and defending their beliefs - often at the cost of isolating themselves from social relationships with family members or friends who don't share these views.

It can take a significant toll on one's psychological well-being, as people with conspiracy theory addiction often grapple with feelings of intense anxiety and an amplified sense of mistrust and paranoia of the world around them.

Treatment for conspiracy theory addiction may include therapy focused on healthy skepticism and critical thinking skills to better analyze information before accepting it as truth.

The idiom "too much of a good thing" is apt when it comes to behavioral addiction. Regular exercise or sex and the occasional bet on your favorite team are all harmless if not beneficial to our health. Yet, there comes a tipping point when these activities can become counterproductive and even dangerous, and treatment needs to be sought.

Fortunately, a range of treatment options exists for those combatting behavioral addiction. CBT is often the go-to option to help recognize and change patterns of thought that contribute to behavioral addiction. Other therapies, such as psychodynamic therapy or hypnotherapy, can also be effective.

Support groups, family therapy sessions, and 12-step programs can provide invaluable insight into how others have successfully overcome their addictions and led healthier lives.

Getting away from their current environment and enrolling in a rehabilitation center can also be incredibly beneficial. Rehabs generally help by providing medical assistance, therapy sessions, and activities that allow individuals to focus on their recovery.

Miracles Asia is a leading rehab center in Thailand, offering a comprehensive treatment program for behavioral addiction. With our experienced team of medical professionals and a holistic approach to recovery, it’s the ideal place to get back on track with your health and well-being.

Situated on the tropical paradise island of Phuket, clients worldwide travel to Miracles Asia to seek treatment at our world-class rehabilitation services.

At Miracles Asia, we believe that the only way to combat addiction is by tackling the disorder's physical and mental symptoms. By providing a structured environment with dedicated professionals, we aim to help clients learn new coping mechanisms and ways of managing their emotions while focusing on lifestyle changes that will lead to long-term recovery.

If you or someone you know suffers from behavioral addiction, reach out today for help. At Miracles Asia, we’re here to provide you with the tools and resources necessary to begin your journey back to health.

Contact us today for more information on how we can help you or a loved one. We look forward to helping you achieve lasting recovery!