Is That Even Addictive? The Reality of Process Addictions
Is That Even Addictive? The Reality of Process Addictions
When people think of addiction, they often think of drugs and alcohol. While these are common forms of addiction, there are also addictions that don’t involve substance use—process addictions. These types of addiction can be very difficult to recognize, as they take the form of activities that aren’t always associated with addiction.
Below is more information about process addictions, how they work, and getting the help you need.
What Are Process Addictions?
There are a variety of different ways that process addiction expresses itself. Some process addictions include:
· Gambling
· Shopping
· Pornography
· Video games
· Internet
· Phones/social media
· Eating disorders
· And more
Essentially, if there is a strong impulse to engage in a behavior even when it is causing real damage and negative consequences it may be a process addiction.
How Does Process Addiction Work?
As per a paper published in the National Library of Medicine:
"Behavioral addiction [also known as process addiction] such as internet addiction is similar to drug addiction except that in the former, the individual is not addicted to a substance but the behavior or the feeling brought about by the relevant action. In addition, the physical signs of drug addiction, are absent in behavioral addiction. Others have stated that behaviorally addicted individuals have certain symptoms and will undergo the same consequences brought about by addiction to alcohol and drugs as well as other obsessive behaviors."
Can I Stop on My Own?
Process addictions aren’t a matter of willpower. If someone is able to stop on their own with ease, it’s unlikely there is a process addiction. For some, being presented with negative consequences is enough to stop the behavior.
For instance, if pornography is causing damage in a relationship but—through a conversation between partners—the behavior is discussed and immediately ended, process addiction may not be an issue. If, on the other hand, the viewing of pornography is an issue that is causing strain on a relationship and the partner continues to view pornography knowing it is harming their partner, process addiction may be the root of the issue.
It's important to not self-diagnose process addictions. Instead, reach out to a professional to receive a diagnosis. From there a treatment plan can be put in place.
Seeking Help
If you find that gambling, porn, internet use, work, food, or anything else is getting in the way of you living a happy and healthy life, reach out to Front Door Health. We will send a professional to your home to speak with you and provide a diagnosis. If it is found that you are suffering from a process addiction, we’ll put together a plan of action for in-home treatment.
We look forward to speaking with you and providing you with the help you need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
