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Merry Christmas Week Kimberly,
Why thrills, work, or even dieting can slip from healthy habits into harmful cycles.
As we’ve been talking about addiction this month, there’s another area worth mentioning—behavioral addictions. Honestly, when I began this series I didn’t expect to go here, but it’s too important to skip.
Behavioral addictions can be just as destructive as substance addictions. They often lead to the same outcomes: damage to health and well-being, added stress, and a higher risk for pain and inflammation running rampant in the body.
If I had to name my own tendency, it would be some form of adrenaline-seeking. There’s something thrilling about the rush you feel when you do something bold. Thankfully, a healthy dose of fear keeps me from getting carried away—but it’s easy to see how even exciting behaviors can become unhealthy patterns.
What counts as a behavioral addiction?
Stealing, “love” or relationship addiction, excessive TV or internet use, video gaming, shopping, work, eating, exercise or dieting, gambling, and the “adrenaline junkie” lifestyle. All of these can create an addiction to the behavior itself—or to the feeling experienced while doing it.
The American Psychiatric Association officially recognizes Gambling Disorder and is currently investigating Internet Gaming Disorder. These behaviors trigger the same dopamine hits as substances, and follow the same pattern of obsession, loss of control, neglect of responsibilities, withdrawal symptoms, and often relapse. And just like any other addiction, they typically require support and treatment.
Motivation Behind Behavior
Professionals often use the “Four C’s” to identify behavioral addictions:
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Compulsive – Is the behavior compulsive?
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Control – Has the individual lost control over it?
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Consequences – Does it continue despite negative consequences?
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Cravings – Are there cravings or mental preoccupation when not engaging?
If you’re curious, this article from Counseling Today explains more:
Six Steps for Addressing Behavioral Addictions in Clinical Work
Coming Up
Next week I am bringing back a Special Guest Writer!
Connect with Me and Community
Blessings for your health and those of the ones you love,
Kim
Hope and Healing Lifestyle Coach
“My recovery must come first so that everything I love in life doesn’t have to come last.” — Unknown
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