WHAT IS PROCESS ADDICTION?

Process Addiction is also known as Behavioural Addiction, and it is characterized by an overwhelming urge or impulse to engage in activities despite the negative consequences. This form of addiction does not relate to substance abuse like drugs and alcohol but includes gambling, sexual activity, internet addiction, and other related activities. Individuals who are suffering from process addictions usually experience a sense of shame or guilt after engaging in their compulsive behaviour. The obsession that comes with this form of addiction interferes with the ability to maintain a healthy life and relationships.

GENERAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PROCESS ADDICTION

  • Spending an excessive amount of time thinking about a behaviour or partaking in that behaviour.
  • Using the behaviour as an escape to deal with difficult situations.
  • Continuing to pursue the behaviour even when it carries negative consequences.
  • Finding extreme difficulty in stopping the behaviour after many unsuccessful attempts.
  • Compulsively driven to engage in the activity as a “high” or increasing the amount of time spent in order to feel the pleasure effects of the addiction.
  • Developing mental health issues like anxiety, depression or emotional withdrawal when attempting to stop the behaviour.
  • Pushing family responsibilities and work obligations to the side to prioritize the behaviour.

TYPES OF PROCESS ADDICTIONS

  • Gambling that is driven by a compulsive behaviour is often described as an “impulse control disorder” where the individual is unable to control or ignore the desire to gamble. The habit of gambling places the individual’s job, finances and family life at risk that sometimes results in bankruptcy, divorce, losing their job, or even losing their home.
  • Sexual Activity or Sex Addiction is also known as compulsive sexual behaviour. This form of addiction is characterised by individuals who engage frequently in sexual activities even though it could have negative consequences. At times, sex addictions can lapse into pornography and people engage in obsessive masturbation or phone sex.
  • Video Gaming is usually regarded as harmless but there are negative consequences that arise with those who are suffering with addiction. The graphics that are found in video games often draw children and teenagers to the screen, so much so that they become obsessed with it. The real problem arises when individuals would rather sit in front of a screen to play games than to interact with the world around them.
  • Pornography Addiction is also commonly referred to as a Sex Addiction and it can become alarming when it begins to affect areas of an individual’s life and wellbeing. Although this activity is often regarded as harmless entertainment for certain individuals, it can easily lapse into an obsession and compulsive behaviour that interferes with an individual’s ability to perform day to day tasks.
  • Internet Addiction is far more difficult to treat that gambling or sex addictions because it is a relatively new problem. The important aspect to consider when diagnosing and treating this form of addiction is recognising if this behaviour is pathological. Addiction may be present when an individual spends excessive amounts of time online that interferes with their daily life.

WHY IS THIS A SERIOUS FORM OF ADDICTION?

In the past, addiction was more commonly associated with substances like alcohol and drugs. It is becoming widely accepted for behaviours to be included in the addiction category. Experts often believe that anything that can stimulate an individual has the potential to become an addiction.

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HELP FOR PROCESS ADDICTION

Process Addictions can negatively affect an individual’s social life, financial situation, career or studies and people often struggle to overcome this form of addiction on their own. Treatment for Process Addiction often involves professional intervention to begin the journey to a healthier life. At Recovery SA, we make it our priority to assist suffering individuals with the highest quality guidance to determine which treatment program is most fitting for you. Reach out to us today on 073 470 4649 to start living at your 100%.

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