What Are Behavioral Addictions?
Traditionally, the term addiction has been used to describe dependence on substances, such as alcohol and other drugs. More recently, addiction has been applied to a range of behaviors.
Behavioral addictions are patterns of behavior, which follow a cycle similar to that of substance dependence.
This begins with the individual experiencing pleasure in association with a behavior and seeking that behavior out, initially as a way of enhancing their experience of life, and later, as a way of coping with stress. The process of seeking out and engaging in the behavior becomes more frequent and ritualized, until it becomes a significant part of the person's daily life. When the person is addicted, they experience urges or cravings to engage in the behavior, which intensify until the person carries out the behavior again, usually feeling relief and elation.
Negative consequences of the behavior may occur, but the individual persists with the behavior in spite of this.
To learn more about behavioral addictions and how prone you are to them, go to the
Circles of Influence page.
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