Understanding and Treating a Behavioral Addiction

## **Types of behavioral addiction** Behavioral addictions take many forms, but they share the same cycle of compulsive behaviors, loss of control, and negative consequences that disrupt a person's life. Below are some of the common types of behavioral addictions: ### **Gambling disorder** Recognized by the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5), gambling disorder is one of the most studied non-substance-related addictions. Individuals engage in pathological gambling despite financial loss, strained relationships, and mental health decline. Public data from the National Council on Problem Gambling shows that about 2.5 million U.S. adults have severe gambling addiction, with another 5-8 million having significant issues (Simon & Simon, 2025). ### **Internet addiction** Internet addiction disorder is increasingly prevalent, especially among young adults. It involves excessive and uncontrolled use of online platforms, often leading to negative emotions, poor concentration, and withdrawal from real-world interactions. In countries like South Korea, the government has established rehabilitation centers for adolescents struggling with internet addiction, making it a recognized public health concern. ### **Shopping addiction** Also known as compulsive buying disorder, this condition drives individuals to repeatedly purchase items, often unnecessary, to cope with negative emotions or stress. Over time, it can cause financial instability and strained family dynamics. It is part of the broader group of impulse control disorders. ### **Compulsive sexual behavior** Sometimes referred to as sexual addiction, this involves compulsive sexual behavior that interferes with work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. While still debated in the psychiatric community, it shares features with other addictive disorders, such as cravings and loss control. ### **Food addiction** This process addiction is linked to compulsive overeating or reliance on highly processed foods to regulate mood. Research connects food addiction to the brain’s reward system, resembling patterns seen in drug addiction or alcohol abuse (University of Michigan, 2009). Over time, it can lead to obesity, substance dependence-like withdrawal symptoms, and associated health consequences.

## **Causes and risk factors for behavioral addiction** The causes of behavioral addiction are complex, involving a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental influences. At the neurological level, both behavior addictions and substance addiction can stimulate the brain's reward system, reinforcing the cycle of compulsive behaviors. >The causes of behavioral addiction are complex, involving a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Many people use specific behaviors like gambling, shopping, or eating to cope with stress, anxiety, or loneliness. These problematic behaviors become entrenched, much like substance abuse or alcohol use disorder, leading to serious negative consequences for a person's life and mental health (American Addiction Centers, 2024). Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing addictive disorders, whether substance-related or non-substance addictions. A family history of mental health disorders or substance dependence, co-occurring psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorders, and early exposure to drug and alcohol use all play a role. Environmental factors like trauma, exposure to compulsive disorders in family members, or access to reinforcing activities also contribute. Research by Potenza MN, and colleagues emphasizes the overlap between impulse control disorders and behavioral therapy needs, showing that behavioral addictions and substance use disorder often share similar pathways and require an integrated approach.

## **Diagnosing behavioral addiction** Diagnosing behavioral addiction involves careful evaluation, as symptoms often overlap with mental health disorders and substance-related conditions. Clinicians typically consider the following: - DSM-5 criteria, which currently list gambling disorder but acknowledge emerging evidence for other behavioral addictions. - Assessment of compulsive behaviors and inability to control a specific behavior, despite negative consequences on a person’s life. - Screening for co-occurring psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorders, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorder. - Evaluation of withdrawal symptoms or distress when the behavior is restricted, resembling patterns seen in substance withdrawal. - Identifying whether the problematic behaviors are persistent, repetitive, and linked to negative emotions or mental health struggles. - Clinical history, including exposure to drug and alcohol use, family members with addictive behaviors, or prior treatment for addictive disorders.

## **Managing and treating behavioral addictions** Managing and treating behavioral addictions requires a balanced approach that addresses both the mental health and emotional needs of patients. Unlike substance use disorders, many common behavioral addictions, do not typically cause physical withdrawal symptoms. Still, patients often experience significant distress when they try to stop, including heightened anxiety, irritability, or negative emotions. This makes early recognition and intervention crucial. Evidence-based care often combines behavioral therapy, counseling, and structured support programs. For specific behavioral addictions like pathological gamblers, treatment may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients identify thought patterns that fuel their compulsions and replace them with healthier coping strategies. In some cases, addiction medicine may play a role—for example, by prescribing medications that help regulate impulses or co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. Research in this area is growing, but more controlled clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate which therapies work best for other behavioral addictions. What’s clear so far is that progress happens when treatment focuses on the whole person: helping them regain balance, strengthen relationships, and rebuild a sense of control over their person’s life. >What’s clear so far is that progress happens when treatment focuses on the whole person: helping them regain balance, strengthen relationships, and rebuild a sense of control over their person’s life.What’s clear so far is that progress happens when treatment focuses on the whole person: helping them regain balance, strengthen relationships, and rebuild a sense of control over their person’s life.

## **Conclusion** Behavioral addictions may differ from substance addiction, but they can be just as disruptive. With timely diagnosis, evidence-based care, and ongoing support, patients can overcome compulsive behaviors and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

### **References** American Addiction Centers. (2024, June 24). What is process addiction & types of addictive behaviors? American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/behavioral-addictions Burleigh, T. L., Griffiths, M. D., Sumich, A., Wang, G. Y., & Kuss, D. J. (2020). Gaming disorder and internet addiction: A systematic review of resting-state EEG studies. Addictive Behaviors, 107, 106429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106429 Potenza, M. N. (2006). Should addictive disorders include non-substance-related conditions? Addiction, 101(1), 142–151. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01591.x Simon, C., & Simon, C. (2025, January 28). Gambling problems are mushrooming. Panel says we need to act now. Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/01/online-gambling-is-on-the-rise-panel-says-we-need-to-act-now/#:~:text=The%20National%20Council%20on%20Problem%20Gambling%20estimates,5%20to%208%20million%20have%20significant%20issues. University of Michigan. (2009). Yale Food Addiction Scale – Food and Addiction Science & Treatment Lab. Sites.lsa.umich.edu. https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/fastlab/yale-food-addiction-scale/