Interventions for behavioral addictions such as gambling, sex, technology, eating disorders, and other compulsive behaviors. These struggles are just as real and deserving of professional support.
Your struggles are real, and help is available.
Process addictions, sometimes called behavioral addictions, don't involve drugs or alcohol but can be just as damaging. The American Addiction Centers explains that process addictions occur when someone experiences the same harmful consequences in their life—broken relationships, financial struggles, emotional pain—but without the physical symptoms tied to substance use.
At SHIFT Recovery Services, we understand that these struggles are real. Even though there may not be substances involved, the cycle of compulsion, shame, and loss of control feels overwhelming. Our approach focuses on addressing the root causes, building healthier coping strategies, and creating a sustainable path forward.
We provide specialized interventions for a wide range of behavioral addictions.
Gambling addiction, also called problem gambling or gambling disorder, refers to any and all types of gambling or choices related to gambling that endanger or compromise a person's life, job, or family. Problem gambling may be characterized by behaviors that include placing bets more frequently, betting larger amounts than intended, "chasing" losses by continually betting beyond the ability to pay, feeling irritable or aggressive when unable to gamble or when losing, or being preoccupied with gambling.
People who struggle with food addiction cannot control their compulsive eating behaviors. They experience cravings—usually for chocolate, carbohydrates, or salty foods; reduced control over intake; increased impulsivity; and altered reward sensitivity. Additionally, there is some evidence suggesting that individuals with a food addiction may have developed a tolerance to food.
Video game addiction is the steady and repetitive use of the internet to play games frequently with different gamers, potentially leading to negative consequences in many areas of a person's life. Research indicates that more than 5 million children could be considered addicted to video games.
A smartphone addiction is fueled by internet overuse or an internet addiction disorder. One national survey found that 46% of smartphone users believed they could not live without their phone. Overuse patterns involve constantly checking notifications, which can lead to "reassurance seeking" and "fear of missing out." Research suggests that smartphone addiction is associated with physical and mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, musculoskeletal problems, and poor sleep.
Also known as hypersexual disorder, compulsive sexual behavior, or sex addiction, involves continued engagement in sexual activities despite the negative consequences. These activities fall under a wide umbrella that encompasses various problematic behaviors. Its prevalence rates range from 3% to 6%, though it is difficult to determine since there is no formal definition of the disorder.
What distinguishes an exercise addiction from a gym enthusiast is increasing the amount of exercise to feel the desired effect; feeling anxious, irritable, restless, or experiencing sleep problems when not exercising; making unsuccessful attempts to cut back on exercise; unable to stick to a predetermined routine; spending a great deal of time preparing to exercise, exercising, and recovering from exercise; giving up other activities to exercise; continuing to exercise despite the physical, psychological, and interpersonal consequences it has created.
Compulsive shopping or buying, also known as buying or shopping dependence or addiction, pathological buying, or oniomania, is defined by excessive financial investments that cause the individual distress or significant dysfunctions. Research indicates that it affects about 5% of the U.S. population. Experts sometimes lump this disorder in with impulse-control disorders or within the obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) spectrum.
Work addiction shares some similarities with other behavioral addictions, but it fundamentally differs since it is the only behavior that individuals are typically required to perform. There is, however, a difference between work addiction and passionate work engagement. Research indicates that a very small number of individuals work in a repeated compulsive manner over a long period of time that results in harm, distress, and long-term impairment.
While some of the above disorders or behavioral addictions may fall under an internet addiction—such as gambling, buying/shopping, and gaming—internet addiction disorder is characterized by time spent in non-work technology-related activities; changes in mood; preoccupation with digital media; withdrawal symptoms when not engaged; and a continuation of the behavior despite problems at work, home, school, or in social settings. Surveys suggest that in the United States and Europe, 1.5% to 8.2% of individuals struggle with internet addiction disorder.
At SHIFT Recovery Services, we recognize that behavioral addictions require the same level of care and attention as substance use disorders. Our interventions are designed to help individuals and families understand the nature of these compulsive behaviors, address underlying issues, and develop healthier patterns.
We work with compassion and expertise to create individualized plans that meet each person where they are. Whether it's gambling, technology, food, or any other behavioral addiction, we're here to provide the support needed for lasting change.
Let SHIFT Happen™ — recovery from behavioral addictions is possible, and we are here to help.
We offer specialized interventions for a variety of challenges.
We'd love to hear from you and help you on your journey to recovery.
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