What Are Process Addictions?

Are you struggling with a different kind of addiction? Feel like there is no hope? Addiction is typically related to the abuse of alcohol or drugs, but we at Beaches Recovery know there are other addictions that have just as many long-term negative effects on the lives of their abusers. These can include: gambling, exercise, work, sex, video games, shopping, and more. We define these as “Process Addictions.”

In moderation, these activities are not defined as addictions, however some users find themselves in constant need of more. When participation in these activities defies all rationale, consequences, and responsible behavior, they quickly turn from leisure to abuse and addiction.

The Danger of Process Addictions

Some people substitute one addiction for another and don’t even realize it. For example, people may be proud of the fact that they have given up a drug or alcohol addiction. Clearly, this is a very good thing, and an important accomplishment. However, these same individuals may not be aware of the fact that they are now obsessively engaging in some other non-substance-related activity.

Unfortunately, these alternate addictions cause many of the same psychological problems that drug and alcohol addictions do. However, they may not realize it at first. In other words, since they’re engaged in what may seem like a normal activity, they have difficulty seeing that there’s a problem.

Some process addictions do, of course, have recognizable consequences right up front. For example, a gambling addiction can quickly ruin family finances. A sexual addiction may compel spouses to seek sexual encounters outside of their marriage. This could lead to anything from divorce to STDs.

These individuals obviously need help. Unfortunately, they may not seek it, at least initially. People often have difficulty accepting their behaviors as process addictions and will not get the appropriate help they need. They may not feel that process addictions are legitimate addictions that require professional addiction treatment. The truth is that these process addictions are real, and they share a lot of characteristics with substance abuse addiction.

Most think that they should be able to stop destructive and compulsive behaviors without help. Unfortunately, process addictions are as debilitating and as challenging to overcome as any substance abuse addiction.

Common Evidence-Based Addiction Therapy Approaches

When you seek evidence-based treatment, you ensure that your time in rehab will be worthwhile. However, no single plan or method of recovery works for everyone. Therefore, your treatment should include a combination of services. When you’re ready to get help for addiction, trust in the team at Beaches Recovery. We use a variety of evidence-based and experiential therapy services, including:

• Trauma therapy
• Art therapy
• Fitness therapy
• CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
• DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy)
• Mindfulness training
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy

Addiction Treatment for Process Addictions

At Beaches Recovery’s addiction treatment center, we work diligently to discover why these addictions occur, and what pain, issue, or emotional need the activity is masking. Through individual and group therapy and a comprehensive treatment plan, our skilled staff delicately works with patients to achieve regulation of these behaviors, and healthy alternatives to addictive urges. Our 90-day rehab programs promote goal setting and discharge plans that will help prevent relapse once you are back at home.

Addiction is serious, regardless of whether a substance is involved. Process addictions are just as serious as substance addictions, and at Beaches Recovery’s comprehensive rehabilitation center, we treat them as such. Abstaining from these activities and discovering their triggers will help patients to regain control of their actions and learn how to make responsible decisions that no longer negatively affect their lives and families.

Don’t let addiction affect your life any longer. Call Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532 today to enjoy the recovery you want.