4 Common Behavioral Addictions

When someone loses control of their behavior and compulsively engages in an activity despite its negative consequences, they may be facing a behavioral addiction. This can be just as damaging as substance abuse, often impacting mental, emotional, and physical health, relationships, and daily life.

Unlike substance addiction, which involves physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, behavioral addictions are compulsions that center around certain actions or habits. The addictive behaviors offer temporary relief or pleasure, but they can quickly spiral into uncontrollable cycles that require professional treatment.

Serenity Malibu understands that behavioral addiction requires a comprehensive and personalized approach, just as substance abuse does. Hence, here we listed some of the most common behavioral addictions to give you a detailed idea about such types of addictions and the ways to treat them. Let’s explore.

1. Food Addiction:

Food addiction, also known as Binge Eating Disorder (BED), is a serious issue where individuals use food to cope with emotional stress, anxiety, or trauma. Unlike regular overeating, people with food addiction experience a loss of control. They often binge eat large amounts of unhealthy food in one sitting, followed by feelings of guilt and shame.

People struggling with food addiction often develop unhealthy relationships with food that are linked to deep emotional triggers. For example, food can be used as a source of comfort or as a way to avoid uncomfortable emotions like sadness, anger, or loneliness.

Signs of food addiction include:

• Eating until uncomfortably full.
• Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating.
• Hiding or sneaking food.
• Using food to cope with stress or emotions.

Treatment Options: 

Food addiction can be treated through behavioral therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address the root causes of compulsive eating. Patients can also benefit from working with a nutritionist to develop healthier eating habits and address co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety.

2. Gambling Addiction: 

Gambling addiction, or compulsive gambling, mirrors the patterns of substance addiction more than any other behavioral issue. The act of gambling triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and creating a rush of euphoria similar to the effects of drugs. This “high” drives individuals to chase their losses and take greater risks, often resulting in severe financial and personal consequences.

Signs of gambling addiction include:

• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel excitement.
• Restlessness or irritability when trying to cut down on gambling.
• Lying to family or friends about gambling habits.
• Relying on others to help with financial problems caused by gambling.

Treatment Options: 

Gambling addiction is often treated with therapies similar to those used for drug addiction, including CBT, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and group support such as Gamblers Anonymous. These treatments aim to break the cycle of compulsive gambling and replace the behavior with healthier coping mechanisms.

3. Sex Addiction: 

While not officially recognized as a disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), sex addiction is a very real and damaging problem. People with sex addiction engage in compulsive sexual behaviors despite the negative effects on their relationships, personal life, and mental well-being. They may also put themselves at risk through unsafe or risky sexual activities.

Sex addiction is not just about frequent sexual activity—it’s about the inability to control sexual urges, leading to compulsive behavior that can interfere with everyday life. For many, it’s tied to unresolved emotional or psychological issues, such as trauma, anxiety, or loneliness.

Signs of sex addiction include:

• Feeling unable to control sexual thoughts or urges.
• Engaging in risky sexual behaviors despite knowing the dangers.
• Prioritizing sexual activity over responsibilities or relationships.
• Feeling shame or guilt about sexual behavior.

Treatment Options: 

Effective treatment for sex addiction often involves 12-step programs such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA), as well as therapy that focuses on the emotional and psychological factors driving the addiction. Group therapy and relationship counseling can also be beneficial in helping individuals repair damaged relationships.

4. Shopping Addiction:

Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder, may not be officially classified as an addiction but shares many similarities with impulse control disorders. People with this problem feel an overwhelming urge to shop, often buying things they don’t need or can’t afford as a way to relieve stress or distract from negative emotions.

For those with shopping addiction, the act of purchasing becomes a way to fill an emotional void, but the temporary high is followed by guilt, debt, and relationship strain.

Signs of shopping addiction include:

• Spending beyond one’s means.
• Hiding purchases or lying about spending habits.
• Using shopping as a way to escape problems or emotions.
• Feeling a rush of euphoria from buying things, followed by regret.

Treatment Options:

Therapy, especially CBT, can help individuals identify the emotional triggers behind their compulsive shopping habits and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Financial counseling may also be helpful in managing the financial impact of the addiction.

How Behavioral Addictions Affect Mental Health

Many behavioral addictions, just like substance abuse, co-occur with underlying mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Treating both the addiction and the associated mental health issues, known as dual diagnosis treatment, is essential for long-term recovery.

At Serenity Malibu Rehab Center, we provide a holistic approach to treatment that focuses on the mind, body, and spirit. By addressing behavioral addictions alongside mental health, patients receive comprehensive care that leads to lasting recovery.

Seeking Help for Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addictions can be just as destructive as substance use disorders, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible. If you or someone you love is struggling with a behavioral addiction, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Serenity Malibu offers customized treatment plans that address the unique challenges of behavioral addiction. Our compassionate team of professionals is here to help you or your loved one regain control and build a healthier future.

Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and how we can support you on your path to recovery.