Process Addictions
The American Addiction Centers describes process addictions as a behavioral addiction that can occur when an individual experiences all the negative consequences in their life but don’t feel the physical issues faced by people who compulsively engage in drug and alcohol use.
Gambling
Gambling addiction, also called problem gambling or gambling disorder, is an addiction that 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.
Food Addiction
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. One study found that 77% of overweight respondents reported eating more now than when they originally became overweight; 15% indicated that they were less satisfied by food.
Gaming Addiction
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.
Technology Addiction
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.
Sex or Porn Addiction
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, including compulsive masturbation, cybersex, excessive viewing of pornography, phone sex, engaging in exorbitant amounts of consensual sex, and visiting strip clubs. Its prevalence rates range from 3% to 6%, though it is difficult to determine since there is no formal definition of the disorder.
Exercise Addiction
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.
Buying/Shopping Addiction
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, but those with a buying/shopping disorder engage in irresistible impulses and have a frequent preoccupation with buying but also feel discomfort as well as time-consuming or negative financial and social consequences as a result.
Work Addiction
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.
Internet Addiction
While some of the above disorders or behavioral addictions may fall under an internet addition—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.
