Behavioral or Process Addictions
You probably know what a substance addiction is. Someone with alcohol addiction, for example, might keep drinking despite the real consequences caused by each sip. Even if the person wants to stop, it seems impossible to do so.
A process addiction, also known as a behavioral addiction, is similar. But it’s an action, not a substance, that the person can’t control.
Substance addictions and process addictions start with chemical changes in the brain. Researchers explain that a person with an addiction:
- Anticipates the hit. Right before the target activity, brain cells trigger cravings.
- Experiences a release. When the act is complete, brain cells release a flood of feel-good chemicals.
- Undergoes damage. That flood isn’t normal for the brain. Receptors burn out. Portions of the brain associated with decision-making and control are impaired.
- Feels unwell without the activity. Altered brain cells can’t perform properly without the rush of chemicals.
Similar to substance use disorder, people with process addictions can’t easily “just stop” their activities. But with help, they can learn to control the craving. When they do, their brain cells can heal.
Types of Process Addictions
Almost any activity could, in theory, trigger a process addiction. But typically, experts are talking about just a few specific tasks when they’re discussing this topic. And sometimes, these acts are part of a larger disease process.
- Problem gambling. Close to 3 percent of Americans struggle with a gambling addiction. It’s more common among men than women, and people with this issue can lose thousands of dollars in just one night due to their illness, says the North American Foundation for Gambling Addiction Help.
- Sexual addiction. People with this issue engage in sexual activity compulsively, often without joy. Research published in Current Pharmaceutical Design suggests that between 3 percent and 6 percent of adults have this disorder.
- Internet addiction. This disorder is defined by compulsive, problematic use of technology, even when the person wants to spend time doing something else. Between 1.5 percent and 8.2 percent of Americans and Europeans have this issue, say researchers writing for Current Psychiatry Reviews.
- Kleptomania. People with this issue steal items for the sake of theft. They don’t need the things they take, and they often don’t even want them. But they can’t resist the urge to take something. Less than 1 percent of adults have kleptomania, says the Cleveland Clinic.
- Skin picking. As many as 1 in 20 people have this disorder, says the International OCD Foundation. People with it pick their skin cells over and over, and often, it’s bad enough to cause deep damage to the skin.
- Hair pulling. People with this disorder pull, twist, or scratch out their hair follicles, leaving bare, bleeding patches. Up to 2 percent of adults have this issue, per research cited by National Public Radio.
Co-Occurring Conditions
For some people, these are standalone issues. They have no other mental health challenges, and their need to complete these tasks seems to come on suddenly. But others feel compelled to act due to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD often prompts intrusive thoughts about disease, distress, or infection. People with OCD may engage in compulsive behaviors to ease those thoughts. Without the intrusive thoughts, the activity would stop. But since it’s always present, they feel the need to keep acting.
For example, you might have the intrusive thought that you’ll harm your family. You tell yourself you must pull five hairs from your head to keep them safe. You know the two things aren’t connected, but you can’t seem to resist the urge to comply. You might spend hours every day pulling your hair and doing other repeated tasks, and you think if you stop, you’ll hurt your family.
In addition to OCD, a co-occurring substance abuse issue may also be present. When this is the case, in order to treat a process addiction, one must also get treatment for their drug or alcohol abuse. Treatment of this type requires a program that is equipped to treat co-occurring conditions (also know as a dual diagnosis treatment).
Treating a Process Addiction
Treatment for process addictions is designed to heal brain changes and give you control over your choices. Typically, a program combines medication management, therapy, and support group work to help you heal.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, antidepressant medications can soothe the disruptive thoughts that come with OCD, which could reduce the urge to act. But medication alone won’t solve the problem. You’ll also need to work with a counselor to build up skills for long-term control.
- Identify triggers. What makes the urge to act grow stronger? Does spending time with certain people or in a specific place make the need grow?
- Learn to cope. What should you do when you can’t avoid a high-risk situation? What skills must you build to help you push through?
- Support a healthy lifestyle. Your acts can be an outlet for stress, depression, loneliness, or even hunger. How can you restructure your life so you’re not vulnerable to relapse?
Where to Get Help
It’s not easy to talk about process addictions. Often, the activities you engage in seem unusual or embarrassing. Remember that you’re not choosing to act this way, and mental health professionals won’t blame you for it. By admitting to a problem, you can get the help you’ll need to live a healthier life.
Support groups can be very helpful for process addictions. Here, you’ll meet other people who engage in the same activities you do. If you’re feeling isolated and alone due to your mental health, connecting with this community could be an amazing source of relief. You can also ask the people in your meetings to refer you to a treatment provider you can trust.
Good support group choices include:
- Gambler’s Anonymous. This organization keeps an online listing of meetings held all across the United States. You’ll find out where meetings are held, when they start, and what format the meeting will follow.
- Sex Addict Anonymous. This organization is designed for people living with or touched by sex addiction. Meetings follow a 12-step format, and people who participate are encouraged to meet regularly to learn from and support others as they recover. Some meetings are held face to face, but others are conducted online or via teleconference.
- Kleptomania Support Group. This is a virtual community. You can create a profile and start sharing information with people who share your diagnosis. Your information is kept confidential.
These meetings are free to attend, but note that there are no mental health professionals in charge of the work. You will likely need to step outside of the meeting format and do some work in therapy to truly heal.
