A process addiction is a type of disorder in which a person engages in reparative behavior that has a negative impact on a person’s life. This compulsive behavior becomes difficult to control, often leading to an inability to engage in other activities or make wise decisions. Process addiction treatment can help break that compulsion. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, process addiction treatment can help teens work towards a better future. To learn about our treatment options, please contact our team today at 866.300.5275.

What Are Examples of Process Addiction?

Some of the most common process addictions young males face include:

• Gaming addiction
• Social media addiction
• Smartphone addiction
• Sexual activity addiction
• Texting addiction

This type of addiction is evident in habitual behavior where that activity becomes more important than virtually anything else the teen is engaged in or supposed to be doing. When a person gives in the impulse to engage in the activity even though they recognize the negative consequences of doing so, a process addiction forms. Often, it becomes difficult to stop without therapy.

How Can Process Addiction Treatment Help?

Consider a person with a gaming addiction. They feel the need to engage in gaming all of the time. Other activities, such as academics or sports, become less important. Eating, sleeping, and maintaining employment aren’t priorities either. The brain now derives pleasure from the gaming experience, which encourages compulsive gaming.

Process addiction treatment starts with recognizing what’s occurring and why. Then, with consistent help and therapy, it’s possible to stop the addictive activity and gain more control over day-to-day life.

How to Recognize the Signs of Process Addictions

Look for clear signs that they are unable to focus on anything other than gaming. Some examples may include:

• Spending most of their time engaging in the activity
• Failing to maintain hygiene or sleep enough
• Ignoring family responsibilities or no longer engaging in family activities
• Lying or hiding the behavior
• Spending excessively on the addictive behavior
• Isolating from others more often
• Using the behavior to cope with negative actions

If you or someone you love is struggling with many of these signs, it may be time to seek treatment.

How Can Gaming Addiction Be Treated?

Process addiction treatment requires deciding to get help. Sometimes people know that this type of behavior is not healthy and want to stop. However, they may not know how to do this. Behavioral addictions like these typically require counseling and working within a group setting to understand the link between thought patterns and addictive behavior. Many times, a full psychological test is necessary to ensure no other types of mental health disorders are present. Your treatment plan may include:

• Holistic healing methods
• Family therapy programs
• Equine therapy programs
• Individual therapy programs
• Group therapy programs
• Adventure therapy programs
• Substance abuse treatment (if applicable)

With this treatment option, teens are able to put their process addiction in the past and move into a brighter future.

Why Engage in Treatment Now?

Teens and young adults are specifically at risk for mental health complications if they don’t receive help for addictive behaviors. Over time, this can become more aggressive and disruptive to their lives. It may also lead to substance use disorder. More so, if underlying mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are present, it’s critical to ensure a person receives proper care for them as soon as possible.

It’s possible to control and overcome process addictions with therapy. Even if your teen believes nothing is wrong, treatment can open the door for living a better quality of life that isn’t reliant on addictive behaviors.

Seek Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

Getting treatment for process addiction can change the course of someone’s life. It may open doors to new opportunities and create better relationships. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we offer comprehensive process addiction treatment for adolescent males. Learn more about the services we offer when you call 866.300.5275 or reach out to us online.