Process Addictions
About Process Addictions
The term process addictions (or behavioral addictions) refers to when a person compulsively engages in an activity or behavior despite negative consequences. As with substance use disorders, they are unable to refrain from taking part in the behavior.
Common examples of process addictions include:
Compulsive gambling
Sex and love addiction
Codependency
Porn addiction
Eating disorders
Gaming and other digital addiction
Exercise addiction
Shopping addiction
Hoarding
Sometimes process addictions are the primary presenting issue, and other times they come to the surface as a person attempts sobriety from drugs and alcohol (sort of like the Whack-a-mole game). And they can be just as detrimental to the individual and their loved ones. These all require specific skill sets for effective intervention and management. Left untreated, these process addictions make it impossible for a person to achieve genuine recovery and all of the benefits that recovery has to offer. The goal becomes to cease compulsive behaviors and learn to function in ways that bring healing and peace to the person who is struggling.