Uncovering Behavioral Addictions:
Beyond Substance Abuse

Explore what behavioral addictions are, along with their signs, symptoms, and causes. Our team at AM Behavioral Health can help you heal.

Table of Contents

What is a Behavioral Addiction?

Imagine scrolling through your social media feed for “just a minute” before bed. Hours later, you’re wide awake, lost in an endless loop. This might not be just procrastination – it could be a sign of a behavioral addiction.

Behavioral addiction describes a compulsive need to engage in rewarding activities despite negative consequences. Unlike substance addictions, there is no physical dependence. However, the impact on daily life can be just as significant.

Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral Addictions in Modern Society

Behavioral addictions are alarmingly common, especially with the rise of technology.
Studies suggest a significant portion of the population struggles with problematic internet use. According to the National Institutes of Health, the prevalence of internet addiction spans across 30% of the population.1
Gaming addiction is another form of behavioral addiction that’s become a growing concern, affecting a small percentage of gamers worldwide. These numbers translate to a real impact on modern society.2

The Impact of Behavioral Addictions on Mental Health

Behavioral addictions, like compulsive social media use or gaming, can wreak havoc on mental well-being.
Here’s how:

Increased Stress and Anxiety

The constant urge to engage in addictive behaviors can fuel stress and anxiety. When unable to access the activity, negative emotions may arise. This creates a cycle of needing the behavior to escape those feelings.3

Depression and Low Self-Esteem

These addictions can lead to neglecting responsibilities and social connections. This isolation and potential missed opportunities can contribute to feelings of depression and low self-esteem.

Disrupted Sleep Patterns

Many addictive behaviors (scrolling before bed, late-night gaming) disrupt healthy sleep patterns. This lack of sleep can worsen:
  • Mood
  • Concentration
  • Overall mental health

Increased Risk of Other Mental Health Issues

Behavioral addictions can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions, such as:

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Anxiety
The negative impact on mental health creates a vicious cycle. Feeling depressed or stressed can trigger the addictive behavior, which can then worsen one’s mental state. This highlights the importance of addressing both the addiction and any underlying mental health issues for true recovery.

The Many Faces of Behavioral Addiction

Behavioral addictions, unlike substance addictions, lack a physical dependence but share a powerful hold on behavior. These addictions come in many forms, each with its own grip on our mental state.
These often include:
  • Gaming addiction: The virtual world beckons to many individuals, offering escape and achievement. This can lead to neglecting real-life responsibilities and social connections.
  • Social media addiction: The constant stream of likes and notifications triggers dopamine release, creating a craving for social validation. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and isolation when not online.
  • Gambling addiction: The thrill of the chase and the hope for a big win fuel compulsive gambling. This can lead to financial ruin, damaged relationships, and even suicidal thoughts.
  • Internet addiction: The vast online world offers endless stimulation, blurring the lines between virtual interaction and real-life connection. This can lead to social isolation and difficulty focusing on daily tasks.
  • Shopping addiction: The temporary high of a new purchase can be a powerful motivator, leading to overspending and financial strain. This can also be linked to low self-esteem and a desire to fill a void with material possessions.

The Neurobiology of Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addictions exploit the brain’s natural reward system, fueled by the neurotransmitter dopamine. Let’s delve into this dynamic and how prolonged addiction rewires the brain, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms:

Dopamine's Reward Pathway

Engaging in pleasurable activities, like food or social interaction, triggers dopamine release. This feels good, motivating people to repeat these behaviors for survival and well-being.
Behavioral addictions exploit this system. Activities like excessive gaming or social media use can cause a surge of dopamine. This reinforces the behavior, creating a desire to repeat it for that dopamine hit, even if it comes at a cost.

Neural Changes with Prolonged Addiction

Over time, the brain adapts to the constant dopamine overload. It becomes less sensitive to dopamine, needing more and more of the addictive activity to achieve the same pleasurable feeling. This fuels the need for increased engagement in the behavior.
The receptors that receive dopamine can also become altered, making it harder for natural rewards (healthy interactions, exercise) to trigger the same level of satisfaction.

Understanding Craving and Withdrawal

These neural changes lead to the hallmarks of addiction: cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Cravings

When the brain doesn’t get its expected dopamine fix, it craves the addictive activity to restore balance.
This can manifest as intense urges to:
  • Game
  • Check social media
  • Engage in the specific behavior

Withdrawal Symptoms

Similar to substance dependence, stopping the addictive behavior can trigger withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. This can be a major hurdle in overcoming the addiction.
Dopamine’s role in the reward system is crucial for motivation and well-being. But, in behavioral addictions, it gets hijacked, leading to a cycle of craving, engagement, and negative consequences.
Recognizing this dynamic is vital for developing treatment approaches that address both the behavioral patterns and the underlying reward system imbalances.

Behavioral Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and the Road to Recovery

Behavioral addictions can be tricky to identify, and often manifest subtly for many individuals. Here are some of the signs to watch out for:

Loss of Control

Spending excessive time on the activity, neglecting responsibilities, and struggling to cut back despite negative consequences are clear indicators that a behavioral addiction may have developed.

Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms

Intense urges to engage in the behavior, coupled with anxiety or irritability when unable to, point towards a deeper issue.
These may include:
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty sleeping

Negative Impact on Life

Behavioral addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life. Relationships suffer, work performance declines, and well-being diminishes due to the addictive behavior. Deception to conceal the extent of the addiction from loved ones is a common sign.
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of behavioral addictions in order to seek effective help early.

Challenges Associated with the Diagnosis of Behavioral Addictions

Diagnosing behavioral addictions is a complex process. Unlike substance use disorders with clear criteria in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), behavioral addictions are still evolving in their definition and diagnosis.
This lack of clear-cut criteria can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed intervention. It’s important to remember that addiction is a spectrum. Even if someone doesn’t meet all the criteria, seeking help is crucial if the behavior is causing significant problems.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is key to breaking free from the grip of behavioral addiction. The longer the addiction persists, the more entrenched the patterns become, and the harder it is to change.
Recognizing the signs and seeking professional help early can significantly increase the chances of a successful recovery.

Taking the First Step

If you or someone you know is struggling with a behavioral addiction, don’t wait. Talk to a healthcare professional or therapist. Early intervention can make a world of difference in the path to healing and recovery.

Treatment Options for Behavioral Addictions

There are many therapy modalities that can help people break free from the symptoms of behavioral addictions, including:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This gold-standard therapy helps identify negative thought patterns and behaviors fueling the addiction.
CBT equips people with coping mechanisms to:
  • Manage cravings
  • Resist urges
  • Replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI focuses on building intrinsic motivation for change. Through a collaborative approach, therapists help people:4
  • Explore their ambivalence
  • Identify their own reasons for wanting to change
  • Set realistic goals for recovery

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

This therapy equips people with skills to:
  • Manage overwhelming emotions
  • Improve distress tolerance
  • Build healthy relationships
DBT is particularly helpful for those struggling with co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety or borderline personality disorder.

Pharmacological Interventions

While medications aren’t a core treatment for behavioral addictions, in some cases, they might be used to address co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that can fuel the addiction.

It’s important to note that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) should be used in conjunction with therapy for optimal results.

Recreational Therapy

Engaging in healthy, enjoyable activities can be a powerful tool in recovery. Recreational therapists can help people identify and engage in hobbies that promote:
  • Relaxation
  • Social connection
  • A sense of accomplishment
The goal is to reduce reliance on addictive behaviors.

Holistic Approaches

Addressing the underlying issues that contribute to the addiction is crucial for long-term success. Holistic approaches may include:
  • Nutritional therapy: Dietary changes can improve mood, energy levels, and focus, making it easier to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Exercise therapy: Regular physical activity is a mood booster and stress reliever, aiding in managing cravings and improving well-being.

The Right Combination of Treatments

The most effective treatment plan often uses a combination of these approaches tailored to each person’s specific needs and circumstances.
Our therapists at AM Behavioral Health can help develop a treatment plan that addresses both the behavioral aspects of the addiction and any underlying mental health issues.

How AM Behavioral Health Tackles the Stigma of Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addictions often carry a stigma, with people feeling shame or judgment for their struggles. This can be a major barrier to seeking help.
This stigma stems from:
  • Misconceptions: Behavioral addictions are sometimes seen as less serious than substance abuse, leading to a lack of understanding and support.
  • Fear of judgment: Shame and fear can prevent people from reaching out for help.
  • Lack of awareness: Newer concepts, like internet or gaming addiction, might not be fully recognized, leading to delayed intervention.

How AM Behavioral Health Fights Stigma

At AM Behavioral Health, we work to combat this stigma through:

  • Education: AM Behavioral Health prioritizes educating the public and healthcare professionals about behavioral addictions, fostering empathy and understanding.
  • Compassionate care: Our approach emphasizes non-judgmental support, creating a safe space for people to openly discuss their struggles.
  • Normalizing treatment: By openly discussing behavioral addictions, AM Behavioral Health helps normalize treatment-seeking and encourages others to reach out for help.

Telehealth: Breaking Down Barriers

Telehealth services offered by AM Behavioral Health play a crucial role in overcoming stigma and increasing accessibility through:
  • Convenience: Clients can attend therapy sessions from the comfort and privacy of their own homes, reducing anxiety and transportation barriers.
  • Discretion: Telehealth removes the physical stigma associated with visiting a treatment center, making it easier for people to seek help discreetly.
  • Wider reach: Telehealth services allow AM Behavioral Health to reach people in remote areas who might not have access to specialized behavioral addiction treatment.
By addressing stigma head-on and offering accessible telehealth options, AM Behavioral Health empowers people to overcome the challenges of behavioral addiction and build a healthier, happier life.
Behavioral Addictions

Enjoy a Life Uninhibited by Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addictions can be a powerful force, disrupting your well-being and relationships. From the compulsive urge to check social media to the endless loop of gaming, these addictions exploit the brain’s reward system, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
The good news is, you don’t have to struggle alone. AM Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive approach for healing. Our therapists utilize evidence-based treatments like CBT and DBT, addressing both the behavioral patterns and any underlying mental health issues.
We go beyond therapy, offering holistic approaches like mindfulness and nutritional counseling for a well-rounded recovery plan.

Why Choose AM Behavioral Health?

There are a variety of benefits to choosing AM Behavioral Health as your partner in healing. These include:
  • Expert therapists: We have a team of qualified professionals experienced in treating behavioral addictions.
  • Personalized treatment: Our treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
  • Stigma-free environment: We offer a supportive space where you can openly discuss your struggles.
  • Telehealth convenience: You can access therapy sessions from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Contact AM Behavioral Health Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with behavioral addictions, don’t wait. AM Behavioral Health can help you break free from the cycle and reclaim control of your life. We are here to meet you wherever you are on your journey.

Contact AM Behavioral Health today and take the first step towards a healthier tomorrow.

Resources

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8251395/
  2. https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/frequently-asked-questions/gaming-disorder
  3. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.727798/full
  4. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1360-0443.2001.961217253.x