Many people are familiar with physical addictions, such as alcohol or drug addictions, but aren’t well-versed in other types of addiction. It’s crucial to find out more about other addictions and ways of managing them, such as through process addiction treatment programs.
Behavioral addiction, also called process addiction, is an addiction characterized by an intense impulse to partake in a specific behavior. Behavioral addictions don’t involve alcohol or drugs. Instead, the behaviors provide a natural reward or emotional high. As with any addictive behavior, those with process addiction are unable to refrain from taking part in the problematic behavior and require professional treatment and intervention to overcome their addiction. If you’re searching for a process addiction treatment program in Baltimore, MD, contact Baltimore Detox Center today by calling [Direct] or reaching out to our team online.
What Are the Different Types of Addiction?
Addiction can be either physical or behavioral. Though substance use disorders are commonly recognized types of addiction, behavioral addictions exist. Cravings, compulsions, inability to stop, and lifestyle dysfunction all point to the existence of addiction. A person can be addicted to specific behaviors just as seriously as they can be addicted to substances.
Addiction is a complex disease. The type of addiction doesn’t matter as much as the underlying issue causing the patient to chase that pleasurable feeling while incurring adverse consequences. For example, addiction can lead to relationship issues, family conflict, financial issues, legal issues, destructive behavior, and negative feelings resulting from these things.
Physical addictions can generally be grouped into three categories:
- Alcohol addiction: This is arguably the most common. It often starts with social drinking and then progresses until one finds themselves dealing with an addiction.
- Illicit drug addiction: This is an addiction to illegal substances that cause short-term disruptions in the brain. Illegal drugs also cause long-term changes to the brain and other organs.
- Prescription drug addiction: This is using approved medications in any way that a doctor has not prescribed. Prescription drug addiction is becoming increasingly problematic in the U.S. these days.
What Is Behavioral Addiction?
As mentioned above, behavioral addiction can also be called process addiction. Whichever term is used doesn’t change the fact that people struggling with this program need to consider getting admitted into a process addiction treatment program.
Behavioral addiction is classified as any time someone loses control of their actions in order to engage in specific behaviors that result in brief feelings of happiness. Someone with behavioral addictions becomes dependent on the pleasurable feelings that come as a result of certain behaviors. However, while no one doubts the existence of physical addictions, behavioral addictions are still hotly debated and sometimes outright disregarded by many people. Some common behavioral addictions include the following:
- Exercise addiction
- Food addiction
- Gambling addiction
- Internet addiction
- Pornography addiction
- Seeking pain
- Self-harm
- Sex addiction
- Shopping addiction
- Spiritual obsession
- Video game addiction
- Work addiction
When Should You Consider a Process Addiction Treatment Program?
Treatment for process addiction often involves professional intervention. Most people struggling with behavioral addiction find that they can’t overcome the problem on their own, even when the process addiction is already impacting their lives negatively. Suppose you or someone you love is struggling with a behavioral addiction. In that case, it’s always for the best to get a professional diagnosis and then get admitted into an appropriate process addiction treatment program.
Process addiction treatment programs almost always include psychotherapy with a behavioral component. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a successful form of therapeutic care in this setting, as it helps clients manage negative thoughts and alter maladaptive patterns of behavior. In therapy, clients learn about their addiction triggers, discuss how and why their addictions developed, and learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage their impulses and urges.
Ready To Learn More About Baltimore Detox’s Process Addiction Treatment Program?
If you’re looking for a process addiction treatment in Baltimore, MD, contact Baltimore Detox Center today. Call [Direct] or reach out to our team online.
