Behavioral Addictions vs Substance Addictions

Behavioral Addictions vs Substance Addictions

Published June 2011

It is estimated that at least 90% of Americans have been exposed to at least one form of addiction in their lives, whether behavioral or substance addiction. Behavioral addiction, or non-substance-related addiction, is a recurring behavior or compulsion where an individual participates in a particular activity, despite the negative effects on their relationships, finances, health, or mental state.

Although behavioral addictions may not seem as harmful as substance-related addictions, they are considered very detrimental for the person addicted and the people close to them.

Some common behavioral addictions are gambling, food, computers, pornography, sex, the internet, video games, work, exercise, “cutting,” and shopping.  Although some people find it controversial to refer to these behaviors as “addictions” in the same way we view substance abuse disorders, they tend to have the same ultimate negative effects. Substance addictions, to either drugs or alcohol, are typically much easier disorders for people to understand due to the actual pronounced physical and emotionally altered effects on the person abusing.  We treat individuals dealing with behavioral, substance, or co-occurring addictions and disorders.