Behavioral Addictions

What are Behavioral Addictions?

Behavioral addictions are conditions where an individual craves to participate in a harmful habit despite the consequences. Behavioral addictions include:

  • Gambling addiction
  • Compulsive shopping addiction
  • Sex and pornography addiction
  • Food addiction
  • Gaming addiction
  • Social media addiction* 

Having an addiction like this can cause serious problems in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to physical health. Many of those with a behavioral addiction are unable to recognize that there is a problem with their actions. Because of this, the large majority of people with these conditions do not seek professional help even though they are highly treatable.

*It is important to note that behavioral addictions are separate from substance addictions (alcohol, drugs, etc).

What are common traits of behavioral addictions

  • Family and personal relationship strain
  • Guilt
  • Physical health decline
  • Self-caused injuries (from over-exercise or self-harm)
  • Difficulty reducing the specific behavior
  • Constant obsessive thoughts
  • Minimizing the severity of the addiction

Behavioral Addiction Statistics*

It is difficult to collect statistical data for behavioral addiction. Part of the reason for this is the patient’s tendency to minimize or not acknowledge the severity of the problem. A five-year study of behavioral addictions found the following results:

Food addiction is the most common behavioral addiction affecting 6.5%
Shopping addiction affects 3.5%
Exercise addiction affects 1.9% and is more common in males than in females.

*Statistics taken from BMC Psychiatry

Treatment Options

Psychotherapy (AKA Talk Therapy)

Mental health professionals can create a custom treatment plan to build skills and coping methods for behavioral addictions.

Medication

Depending on the condition, medication is very helpful for improved mood, functioning, and behavior. It is crucial to have a psychiatrist monitor a patient’s needs when prescribing medication.

Lifestyle Changes

Having a healthy lifestyle supports overall mental health. Abstaining from drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol can help decrease the symptoms of behavioral addiction. Having a strong support system can help those with behavioral addictions move through treatments with greater success.

Related Conditions: OCD, Anger Issues, Self Harm