September is National Recovery Month. When these three words come to mind, they often elicit thoughts of individuals who are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction.
Dr. Cashuna (“Shun”) Huddleston, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and owner of New Way Psychological Services, works with children five years old and older; adults; and couples who struggle with a range of issues and disorders. She shared insight into addiction and recovery.
“While substance use disorders (alcohol, drugs, etc.) are the most commonly recognized form of addiction, there are several other behavioral addictions and situations where professional help is necessary. These involve compulsive behaviors that can be harmful to a person’s mental, emotional, social, or financial well-being,” Dr. Huddleston said.
She also stated that addiction is defined as a chronic disorder that involves compulsive engagement in a rewarding behavior, despite knowing the harmful consequences. It often includes an inability to stop the behavior; intense cravings; and continued use or engagement even when it interferes with daily life.
Additionally, she added: “A behavioral addiction involves compulsively engaging in certain non-substance activities, even when those activities cause harm. These behaviors stimulate the brain’s reward system in a similar way to substances, causing dopamine release and reinforcing the behavior. Though no external substance is involved, the psychological pattern of craving, compulsion, and loss of control is the same as with substance abuse.”
Dr. Huddleston added that non-substance-related behavioral addictions can significantly disrupt a person’s life, even though they don’t involve physical substances like drugs or alcohol. These behaviors provide a temporary dopamine boost. Over time, they can lead to harmful patterns that affect a person’s mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Some common behavioral addictions and the ways they can become problematic include: exercise addiction; shopping addiction (Compulsive Buying Disorder); sex and love addiction; and gambling addiction. Additional behavioral addictions are gaming addiction; food addiction; work addiction; and social media addiction.
“Behavioral addictions can be triggered by various psychological, environmental, and biological factors that cause individuals to engage compulsively in certain activities. These triggers can lead to the reinforcement of unhealthy behaviors that provide temporary pleasure or relief, creating a cycle of dependence. Behavioral addictions often develop when individuals use certain activities to manage or escape from emotional distress, boredom, or psychological challenges. While these behaviors may provide short-term relief or pleasure, they can ultimately become compulsive and damaging when relied upon as a coping mechanism,” said Dr. Huddleston.
She further stated that compulsive patterns and negative consequences can affect anyone. Children are more likely to become addicted to gaming or social media, although adults may struggle with gambling, work, or exercise addiction.
Behavioral addictions often do not receive the same level of societal attention and seriousness as substance-related addictions, despite their potential to cause significant harm, according to Dr. Huddleston. However, Dr. Huddleston explained that a prevalent treatment method for behavioral addictions is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
“CBT is highly effective because it focuses on helping individuals identify and change the negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their addiction. Other common treatment approaches include group therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based therapies, 12 step programs, and medication,” she said.
It is noteworthy to mention that once someone is diagnosed with a behavioral addiction, they typically need to remain vigilant throughout their life to guard against the possibility of relapse. Many people who struggle with behavioral addictions may not fully realize the extent of their addiction or its negative impact on their lives.
“Recovering from any addiction, whether behavioral or substance-related, requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of the condition. An important part is acknowledgment and acceptance which is a crucial step in recovery. Without this, it’s impossible to move forward with meaningful change. Acceptance involves self-awareness, emotional honesty, and commitment to change,” the licensed psychologist said.
Dr. Huddleston also stated that recovery from addiction often requires outside help from professional or structured programs and can include therapy, support groups, medical or psychiatric help.
Reputable online screening tools can help individuals gauge whether they might have a behavioral addiction, although they are not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Mental Health America (MHA) – Addiction Screening Tool; Gambling Self-Assessment Tool (G-SAS); Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGD-20); and the Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale (BSAS) can offer an initial assessment of whether further evaluation by a healthcare provider might be needed.
Learn more about Dr. Huddleston via www.newwaypsych.com and https://www.instagram.com/newwaypsychologicalservices/ on Instagram.