Addiction isn’t limited to alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs. There is also a category known as behavioural addictions, where certain behaviours become compulsive and harmful to both the individual and those around them.
Behavioural addictions involve non-substance activities that lead to negative consequences. They are similar to substance addictions in that they activate the brain’s reward system and become difficult to control. These behaviours are reinforced by “feel-good” brain chemicals such as dopamine, endorphins, and adrenaline, which can make the behaviour temporarily comforting or pleasurable.
Common examples of behavioural addictions include workaholism, binge eating, gambling addiction, gaming addiction, shopping addiction, and pornography addiction.
Workaholism can harm physical health and personal relationships.
Binge eating often develops as a way to seek emotional comfort rather than respond to hunger, impacting physical wellbeing.
Gambling addiction can lead to financial difficulties and relationship breakdowns through secrecy or dishonesty.
Gaming addiction can take over time and energy, affecting social life, work, and relationships.
Shopping addiction may cause debt and conflict with loved ones.
Porn addiction can disrupt daily functioning and intimate relationships.
General impacts of behavioural addictions can include strained relationships, isolation, overspending, debt, sleep problems, health issues, guilt, anxiety, and depression.
Recovery is possible. Support may include therapy, support groups, mindfulness and self-regulation practices, and in some cases medical support. Addiction counselling in Hampshire can provide a safe and non-judgemental space to explore these behaviours, understand their roots, and develop healthier coping strategies.