What is a Behavioral Addiction?

Behavioral addiction is where there is an addiction present but no substances are involved. Behavioral addictions are increasingly being referred to as Process addictions and Impulse Control Disorder.

Behavioral addiction is centered on a compulsion to engage in a specific action or behavior regardless of the consequences to the sufferer and others. The compulsion is so overpowering that the sufferer engages, even when it means there is a personal cost, whether it be physical, mental, or financial.

Behavioral addiction can be just as destructive as a substance-related addiction. It is an illness that needs professional treatment to overcome.

Examples of Behavioral Addictions

There are some common examples of behavioral addictions that are more well-known than others. Examples such as Gambling, Gaming, the Internet, Spending, Shopping, Sex, Porn, Work. There are many more. Some less well-known behavioral addictions are Collecting, Hoarding, Compulsive lying, Facebook, Phone checking, Virtual relationships. The list is by no means definitive or exhaustive and many individuals vulnerable to addiction can have multiple behavioral and substance misuse issues, this is often known as Cross Addiction.

Can a Behavioral Addiction be Treated in a Rehab Clinic?

The answer to this is simply “yes”. Just because there is no substance involved, does not mean that your addiction cannot be treated as if it were a substance. The recovery process begins with abstinence, then rehabilitation, aftercare care, and maintenance. Every individual who enters a rehab facility is required to stop the substance or behavior that they are addicted to. The staff at the rehab clinic will fully support you in this. The process of rehabilitation consists of treatment. Just like an individual with substance addiction, a sufferer with a behavioral addiction needs to explore and deal with the issues that are underpinning the addiction. The action or behavior is simply a manifestation of something much deeper.

How else can a Behavioral Addiction be Treated?

Behavioral addictions can be successfully treated with therapy and counseling in the community. However, for a more chronic condition, inpatient in rehab to achieve abstinence first is preferred. There are support groups that are also useful in addressing and supporting those with behavioral addictions.

How can Addiction Helper Help with my Behavioral Addiction?

Addiction Helper can assess your condition and recommend a suitable course of treatment. We can provide you with the rehab clinic that is right for you to undergo your treatment at and arrange for appropriate aftercare. Where there is no funding available for treatment, we can advise you what is available on the NHS and signpost you accordingly