Behavioural Addiction

Compulsive addictive behaviours include gambling, sex, work and more

Behavioural Addiction

Addiction can occur in many forms. Behavioural addiction, which is sometimes referred to as impulse control disorder, is when a person continually and compulsively engages in a behaviour or activity time and time again, despite there being negative consequences. Participating in the preferred behaviour or activity triggers the release of the chemical dopamine, which causes feelings of pleasure and euphoria very similar to those triggered by the use of drugs.

Over time the addict notices a reduction in these dopamine surges, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression when they are not engaged in the activity, so they continue to engage even though there is a growing negative impact on their life. This can be in the form of damage to relationships, financial losses and even adverse health issues caused from lack of sleep and exercise or poor diet.

As with most addictions, there are often underlying emotional issues or trauma at the root, affecting their self-esteem and relationships. Addicts use the behaviour or activity to escape from reality, as a release valve for pent up feelings of anger, fear, shame and disappointment.

Any treatment needs to address these root causes and find the client a way to express feelings and cope with life without the use of any destructive addictive behaviour on a day to day basis.
Symptoms of Behavioural Addiction - Behavioural Addiction Problems, Rehab & Addiction Treatment Centre in Spain

Some Common Types of Behavioural Addiction

01
Gambling - Compulsive gambling, also called gambling disorder, is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on an individual’s life, often losing more money than they can afford and destroying relationships.
02
Video Gaming - Video game addiction also known as gaming disorder or internet gaming disorder is the problematic & compulsive use of video and/or internet games, over a prolonged and sustained period that results in significant damage to other areas of an individual’s life.
03
Shopping – Oniomania, compulsive shopping, or what's more commonly referred to as shopping addiction is a preoccupation with continually purchasing items, that are often not required, to avoid certain feelings of anxiety and/or depression or to get a “high” from doing so.
04
Social Media - Problematic social media use, also known as social media addiction or social media overuse, is a form of behavioural dependence on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tinder and other forms of social media to the point of it interfering with other aspects of daily life.
05
Internet - Internet Addition Disorder, also commonly referred to as Compulsive Internet Use (CIU), Problematic Internet Use (PIU), or iDisorder. This is when excessive, and unnecessary computer use interferes with normal daily life such as relationships, work or study.

Symptoms of Behavioural Addiction

An unhealthy preoccupation with the behaviour or activity
Decline in personal hygiene and grooming
Poor performance at work, school, or with responsibilities at home
Reducing ability to control the behaviour despite its consequences
Using the behaviour to escape from stressful situations or feelings
A greater need for participation in the behaviour
Neglect of other hobbies, interests and friendships
Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to try and control or stop the behaviour
Withdrawal symptoms without the activity e.g. anxiety or depression
Being secretive, dishonest or defensive about the behaviour

Treatment for a Behavioural Addiction

At Phoenix Programmes we understand that every client is different, and their illness needs individualised treatment and care. Behavioural addiction can often be a mask for deeper underlying emotional problems, and focusing on the causes whilst away from the environment in which the behaviour occurs can be beneficial to recovery. Following a detailed consultation with our specialist’s our clients will be given a complete plan of our recommended course of treatment.

If you think that you or someone you love might have a problem with drug or alcohol addiction, compulsive behaviour or emotional disorders, reach out and speak to our specialist addiction rehab treatment team on our confidential helpline +34 691 881 422. Immediate admission available.

Working Hours

Address

Follow Us

Individual Treatment in Spain

Individual Treatment in Spain

Treatment at Your Residence

Exclusive Individual Treatment Programme at Your Residence

Group Treatment in Spain

Small Group Treatment Programme