Behavioral addiction
Behavioral Addiction
Behavioral addiction (pronunciation: /bɪˈheɪvjərəl əˈdɪkʃən/), also known as non-substance-related addiction, is a form of addiction that involves a compulsion to engage in a rewarding non-substance-related behavior, sometimes called a natural reward, despite any negative consequences to the person's physical, mental, social, or financial well-being.
Etymology
The term "behavioral addiction" correctly refers to a compulsion to engage in a natural reward, which is a behavior that is inherently rewarding (i.e., desirable or appealing) despite adverse consequences. The term addiction is derived from a Latin term for "enslaved by" or "bound to."
Types of Behavioral Addiction
Behavioral addiction is categorized into six types:
- Gambling addiction
- Internet addiction
- Sex addiction
- Food addiction
- Work addiction
- Shopping addiction
Each of these types of behavioral addiction has its own set of characteristics and symptoms, and requires different treatment approaches.
Symptoms
The symptoms of behavioral addiction can vary depending on the specific type of addiction, but common symptoms include:
- Inability to resist impulses to engage in a particular behavior
- Increasing sense of tension or arousal before performing the behavior
- Feeling of relief, often combined with a sense of pleasure, after performing the behavior
- Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when trying to quit the behavior
- A pattern of repeated relapse
Treatment
Treatment for behavioral addiction often involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals recognize and change thought patterns that lead to harmful behaviors. Other treatment options may include medication, psychotherapy, and support groups.
See Also
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