Addiction treatment programs can treat people who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol. These programs also help with process addiction and behavioral addiction. Knowing the signs of a behavioral addiction will help you understand if you or someone you love could benefit from entering into a treatment program near you.
Know the Signs of Behavioral Addiction
Some signs of behavioral addictions include:
- Lying
- Guilt and shame
- Denying a problem
- Missing significant events, work, or school
- Trouble sleeping
- Getting into fights with friends and family
- Poor hygiene
You may also know that someone has a behavioral addiction by looking at the way they act. For instance, they may begin developing issues with relationships at work, home, or school because the addictive behavior consumes them. They may also start experiencing negative effects because of chronically engaging in a specific hobby.
Please don’t overlook the signs of behavioral addiction because they are showing that something is amiss. Therapy programs can help anyone with these symptoms get back on track.
What Kinds of Behavioral Addictions Are There?
In the field of psychiatry, four kinds of behavioral addictions are recognized. These include:
- Gambling addiction
- Sex addiction
- Gaming addiction
- Internet addiction
There may be other kinds of behavioral addictions, but they do generally fall into one of these categories.
How Are Behavioral Addictions Diagnosed?
These conditions are diagnosed by looking at similar criteria to what would be considered for a drug or alcohol addiction. The person must:
- Have a compulsion to participate in the behaviors
- See negative consequences when participating
- Not be able to stop the negative behaviors despite wanting to
After a diagnosis is made, it’s possible to start treatment based on the client’s specific needs.
What Types of Addiction Recovery Support Are Available?
The main kind of recovery support offered to those with a behavioral addiction is behavioral rehabilitation. Behavioral rehabilitation focuses on helping people manage inappropriate actions that cause problems in their lives. Some of the symptoms that behavioral addiction address include:
- Doing or saying inappropriate things
- Increased irritability
- Mood swings
- Substance abuse
- Lack of inhibitions
- Elopement
- Loss of emotional control
These and other symptoms may appear when a person with a behavioral issue is stressed or unable to take part in the behavior.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an excellent way to address these issues. Other options may include talk therapy, group therapy, or dual diagnosis treatment if substance abuse is also involved.
Behavioral addictions don’t always come with the same physical health risks as drug addiction or substance abuse disorders. Despite that, they can still cause suffering for those who have a behavioral addiction as well as those around them.
Compulsions Often Drive Behavioral Addictions
Compulsions often drive behavioral addictions, so addressing the cause of those compulsions is key to overcoming the addictions, regardless of what they are. Talk therapy, whether private or with a group, can help identify the compulsions people struggle with and teach them to overcome them.
Contact Bayview Recovery for Treatment
At Bayview Recovery, we know that addiction can have a negative impact on the lives it touches as well as those around them. Behavioral addictions can take over a person’s life and significantly impact their future. We offer a range of treatment programs, including:
Fortunately, the signs of behavioral addiction are noticeable. Addiction recovery is possible if you or your loved one work with a qualified program. Our team would like to be there to help support you on this journey. Call our team today at 855.478.3650 to learn more about how our program can help you overcome a behavioral addiction and get back into control of your life.
Dr. Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH (Medical Reviewer)
