Behavioural addictions:
Behavioural addiction is a form of addiction that involves an engagement in behaviours or habits despite negative consequences to the person’s physical, mental, social or financial well-being. Behaviours that have been found to be highly addictive include:
- Gambling
- Eating
- Having sexual intercourse
- Using pornography
- Black mirrors- Computers, video games, internet/social media, smart phones
- Physical exercise
- Shopping
- Work
What are the Common Symptoms?
When a favourite activity has gone too far, which may be indicated by the following:
- Unable to stop the behaviour
- Feeling guilty for doing the behaviour
- Physical issues such as becoming obese from overeating, getting injuries from over-exercising, or having sleep problems from too much gaming.
- Family dysfunction due to the behaviour eg not spending enough time with them or multiple fights with family/friends due to the habit.
- Relationship problems because of affairs or obsession with pornography.
- Overspending or gambling away your house or savings.
- Getting into legal troubles because of the behaviour.
- Unable to stop the behaviour despite the best of efforts.
Causes:
- Family history/ genetics
- Environmental stressors
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Emotional trauma
- Sexual abuse
- Underlying mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, ADD, OCD, Substance abuse
Conditions associated with untreated behavioural addictions:
- Financial troubles
- Relationship difficulties
- Altercations with law
- Sleep issues
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Other addictions
- Sexually transmitted diseases