When most people picture an addiction, they automatically think of drugs and alcohol, but there are non-substance-related addictions that can be just as detrimental and require professional treatment. These can include gambling addictions, shopping addictions, sex addictions, or anything that has to do with a behavior that you cannot control or quit despite the harmful or negative consequences that result from it.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a chronic mental health condition, one that can have a detrimental impact on your physical and mental well-being, your relationships, and even your career and personal achievements.
Substance abuse is one form of addiction, but the other is categorized as a behavioral addiction or non-substance-related addiction. If you are struggling with non-substance-related addictions, you can get help today.
What are Non-Substance Related Addictions?
Non-substance-related addictions are any addiction that happens as a result of your brain’s reward system being hijacked. This can include:
- Overworking
- Video games
- Gambling
- Using smartphones
- Social media
- Shopping
- Sex
- Exercise
- Food
No matter their form, all non-substance-related addictions can be treated with the right combination of therapy and, in some situations, medication. If there are underlying mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or personality disorders, those can be treated at the same time.
Gambling
Gambling is one of the most well-known non-substance-related addictions, one that is recognized by the DSM-5. This is a diagnosable condition where an individual becomes addicted to the thrill or high of winning big despite the negative impact gambling may have on physical and social health or finances.
Social Media Addiction
Social media has a strong, negative association with overall mental health. Increased social media usage reduces things like:
- Self-esteem
- Academic performance
It also increases the risks of anxiety or depression, and scrolling disrupts the dopamine reward center of the brain.
Social media has long been associated with addiction, but now, new research into TikTok, in particular, has found this platform exercises a stronger influence over direct and indirect addiction behavior.
Shopping Addiction
Shopping addiction rates have risen in the last ten years owing to online shopping and easier access to “deals” throughout the year. Continual connection to online retailers has led to increased compulsive buying behavior.
Results indicate that shopping online might start as something within control but can change into repeated buying behaviors, intense preoccupation, inordinate time spent shopping, and negative emotions when not shopping. Those who struggle with shopping addiction also face problems with relationships and finances, as they are unable to control their shopping habits despite attempts to.
Exercise/Food
Other categories of non-substance-related addiction pertain to eating and exercise.
Exercise addiction is a category all its own and can certainly plague people without an eating disorder. Compulsive exercise became a described condition in the 1970s and is where individuals crave exercise, often participating in levels of exercise behavior that cause:
- Social impairment
- Injuries
Exercise addiction happens three and a half times more often in those with an eating disorder than those without.
Eating disorders can be considered non-substance-related addictions and require professional treatment. Some of the symptoms of eating disorder diagnoses are purging behaviors, like excessive exercise, as a result of overeating.
Sex Addiction
Another behavioral, non-substance-related addiction is sex addiction. Research indicates that an increasing number of people find they inadvertently struggle with sexual addiction, including:
- Pornography
- Cybersex
- Visiting sex workers
- Exploring fetishes
- Having multiple affairs
All of these things might start as a simple behavior, under control, but can quickly spiral into a health issue that requires professional treatment.
Treating Non-Substance-Related Addictions
If you are struggling with a non-substance-related addiction, you can find therapies that give you control over your behavior. At Ava Recovery, clients can enjoy access to amenities like:
- Ice baths
- A volleyball court
- A rec room
- A professional chef
- A pool
- Workout equipment
In our seven-acre residential treatment center, clients can focus entirely on themselves, moving away from the triggers or environments that contribute to non-substance-related addictions.
We meet clients where they are, with whatever addiction they have, offering things like:
- DBT and IFS group therapy
- Trauma-focused treatment
- On-site equine-assisted psychotherapy
We treat trauma as the root of all addictions, knowing that when people struggle with addiction, it is an attempt to meet needs. Our goal is to help clients meet those needs in healthier ways. Call our team today for help with your addition: (833) 330-3009.
