Behavioral addiction is an addiction to an activity that has nothing to do with alcohol or drug use. It is characterized by non-substance-related behaviors and the ability to experience negative consequences of these behaviors. One of the main problems associated with the conceptualization of behavioral addiction is the fact that, almost every activity is defined as potentially addictive. The conceptualizations of various types of behavioral addiction are the result of an attempt to define the term “addiction” in relation to substance abuse. A major problem with these behaviors, which are often the subject of a large amount of research into and treatment of addiction, is that the obsessive nature of these behaviors leads to the perception that they are more often addictive than other non-addictive activities.
Behavioral dependence is defined as a person’s obsessive desire to engage in activity or behavior and their inability to remain mentally and physically healthy and functional at home and in the community. A person can get high through this activity, they find it psychologically rewarding, but later they feel so dependent that they may even be overwhelmed by the consequences of continuing this choice. Behavioral dependence is characterized by a person’s obsessive desire to pursue an activity or behavior for which he feels rewarded, even at the expense of his physical and mental health.
Although not all behavioral dependencies are associated with drug abuse, it is not uncommon for addicts to engage in compulsive behaviors to replace their drug habits. However, those who are addicted to obsessive behavior often quickly develop an addiction to seemingly normal behaviors. Similar to substance abuse, behavioral addiction is often associated with various negative consequences. Throughout a person’s life, he or she is likely to engage in many activities that are often addictive, such as sex, Internet use, and gambling.
Like drug and alcohol dependence, behavioral dependence is directly linked to a particular behavior. Classifying who is at higher risk of developing behavioral dependencies is an important step in analyzing why people who drink alcohol or use drugs become addicted. Most behavioral dependencies are an activity that people participate in regularly, sometimes rarely. Overcoming this type of illness requires professional behavioral therapy, as a person cannot stop engaging in the same behaviors as their regular drug or alcohol use.
If most people engage in the above behaviors, there is a rush or a high risk associated with it. When someone hears the word addiction, they immediately think of drugs, alcohol or cigarettes. Also called “addiction process,” behavioral addiction is an example of a non-drug addiction that has similar properties when it comes to certain behaviors.
People become dependent on the feeling they get when they engage in non-drug-related activities. Like drug and alcohol addiction, addiction begins when natural chemicals flood the brain when the individual takes part in this activity. In some cases, people experience withdrawal symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite and headaches. Some researchers believe that the same regions of the brain are affected by addiction as drug and alcohol addiction, such as the hypothalamus, amygdala and peninsula.
If true, people with behavioral dependency may experience similar negative consequences. Behavioral addiction and alcohol and drug addiction have many similarities, as both can disrupt a person’s daily life and, without treatment, have serious consequences. The main difference between the two is that behavioral dependence may not have the physical symptoms and side effects that drug or alcohol dependence can have, such as potentially life-threatening physical withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction problems related to alcohol, drugs or behavior are about losing control of one’s actions, and specific treatment programs can solve these problems. ABC News reports that the definition of addiction includes actions that are mind-altering and lead to compulsive behavior that affects everyday life. Not only is drug and alcohol addiction so intense, but so are the feelings that arise from these behaviors that they can also lead to withdrawal symptoms, including depression, anxiety – such as symptoms, and even suicidal thoughts and actions.
While certain drug dependencies lead to the total destruction of people’s lives, this does not mean that everyone with drug dependence must have the same level of problems. Depending on the nature of the addiction, the severity of the problem and even the number of withdrawal symptoms, a behavioral dependency can be as bad as an addiction to a substance. Behavioral addiction is a disease, not a personal failure, and treatment can help you overcome a challenging addiction. The boundary between behavioral addiction and addiction is crossed when the high value associated with the behavior leads to an inability to quit due to the negative consequences.
The corresponding classic sign of an addiction to alcohol or drugs can be high anxiety, depression, anxiety and depression dependence – such as symptoms. A rewarding behavior can be mismatched due to an underlying predisposition, such as suffering a painful or traumatic life experience. Video games, for example, are extremely rewarding and inspire a strong desire to engage with them, even in the face of negative consequences.