Discussion of addiction typically centers on the abuse of drugs or alcohol. These are probably the most widespread use disorders, not just in the United States but around the world. Addiction isn’t limited to substances, however. You can also develop a behavioral addiction, also known as a process addiction. These are certainly harder to spot than substance addiction. However, process addiction symptoms are there if you look hard enough. They can be equally devastating in their impact on families and individuals alike.
If you or someone in your family struggles with an addiction to gambling, sex, or other activities, it might be time to seek process addiction treatment. You can learn more by contacting Foothills at Red Oak by calling 866.300.5275.
What are Process Addictions?
In contrast to substance abuse, someone with a process addiction will not necessarily develop a physical dependence. But the behavior, and its repeated application, will have negative consequences for a person’s quality of life. Additionally, it may require process addiction treatment.
Researchers are still learning more about the extent of process addiction, and we’ll discuss process addiction symptoms more below. But the list of potential process addictions is long and getting longer, mainly as the world adopts new technologies such as smartphones. Some of the primary process addictions include:
- Gambling
- Video games
- Social media
- Sex
- Smartphone use/Web browsing
- Shopping
- Spending money
Whether you have a process addiction depends principally on how you respond when participating in these activities. In most cases, an addiction’s severity rests on how the activity impacts your quality of life and those around you. The more you experience difficulties, the more likely you may require process addiction treatment.
Signs of Process Addictions
Since a process addiction doesn’t necessarily produce physical symptoms in the same way as substance abuse, signs can be challenging to spot. Understanding the symptoms can help you identify when it’s time to seek process addiction treatment.
Here are six signs your loved one may be suffering from this condition:
- Building your life around the behavior
- Shirking responsibilities at work, at home, at school, with friends
- Excessive spending
- Difficulties in sleeping
- Becoming anti-social
- Rationalizing the behavior as a stress release or other emotional mechanisms
Getting Treatment for Behavioral Addictions
Our understanding of behavioral addictions is growing. While there may not be a standard way of addressing these difficulties, there are some universal principles, whether you are struggling with gambling, the Internet, or other types of addictions.
Treatment for this condition will involve one or more forms of therapy. The idea is to help you understand your motivations while also developing coping skills to point you toward a healthier response.
Sometimes cognitive-behavioral therapy produces breakthroughs. Treatment may also involve working with your family or participating in group sessions. We offer several treatment options, including:
- Individual therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Yoga therapy
The critical point is that a process addiction is not something you must accept and live with forever. You can get help.
Support for Co-Occurring Process Disorders and Mental Health Conditions
Like traditional substance use disorders, process disorders often coincide with other mental health concerns. These concerns vary from person to person and may include conditions such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Disordered eating
In some cases, process disorders may worsen the symptoms of a person’s mental health condition. In others, the mental health condition may lead to worsening symptoms of the process disorder. For many people in this situation, it’s vital to seek treatment for co-occurring disorders. This treatment option addresses both the addiction and mental health conditions at the same time. Through dual diagnosis treatment, it is possible to find relief and the ability to manage their symptoms in the future.
At Foothills at Red Oak, we have the training and knowledge to address co-occurring disorders. If you or a teen you love is battling a process addiction and mental health condition, we can help.
Seek Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak
Modern society has evolved to offer a world of temptations, more easily accessed than ever through technology. The problem is these temptations can grow into process addictions. People suddenly find themselves obsessed with certain behaviors, to the point of causing harm to themselves or someone they love.
If you or someone close to you struggles with compulsive behavior around gambling, sex, video gaming, or other activities, contact Foothills at Red Oak. Our staff focuses on treating boys between the ages of 14 and 17 for substance abuse and process addiction, mental health difficulties, or some combination of the two. Let’s join on a journey of healing. Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 to learn more and schedule an initial assessment.
