If someone were to ask you to define addictions, what would you say? If you answer something along the lines of ‘a person abusing drugs,’ you’re not wrong, but the definition could be broader than you think.
According to the American Addiction Centers (AAC): “Addiction is a chronic but treatable medical condition, characterized by the continued use of a substance or activity despite it causing clinically significant distress and impairment in one’s life.” But addiction is broader than many people realize. Let’s look at the most recent edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), which states there are behavioral addictions with patterns of repetitive and harmful behavior and consequences like substance-use disorders, such as gambling/sex/shopping addictions, that are currently being heavily researched to possibly be established as mental disorders in the future?
Now, while trustworthy studies require years of research to even begin the debate, we can observe behaviors and hear from people in the meantime, and one review of 94 such studies across 40 countries in the COVID-era found behavioral addiction at a frequency of 11.1% – that is a tenth of the world’s population with addictions towards modern phenomena such as the internet, social media, and gaming. In fact, gambling is the only non-substance related, behavioral addiction disorder listed in the DSM at this time, but with events such as the COVID pandemic affecting us to this day, other possible addictions will be up for debate.
Some of the top behavioral addictions being studied now are those relating to shopping, sex, food, the internet, employment/work, and exercise. These behavioral addictions, like substance use addictions, have three main characteristics:
- Chronic relapses resulting in addiction seeking thoughts/behaviors.
- Use/participation despite harmful consequences to self or others.
- Long-term changes in the brain.
Taking internet usage as our example, addiction shows when one needs connection to the internet through methods such as social media, gaming, smartphones, and/or Artificial Intelligence (AI) – to trigger the “feel good” chemicals in our brain’s reward system, that reinforces and motivates us to that stimulus – in this case, continuing the internet usage; after a while, this pattern results in cravings for this behavior. When we do not have it that can override our brain into setting aside all other stimulus, including those needed to live a fulfilling life, such as eating and sleeping well, taking care of personal hygiene, and nurturing our social bonds. At significant time periods, this will create long-lasting changes in our bodies, such as:
- Fluctuations in weight and or appetite
- Emotional instability (e.g., reduced impulse control, mood swings).
- Hygiene decay/damage
- In worst cases, cognitive impairment (e.g., attention/decision-making difficulties, memory loss, and poor judgment).
In simpler terms, the act of feeling happy through internet usage is not addiction, it is the continued use of it as the only method towards happiness despite negative/harmful effects that is addiction. With our improved understanding of what addictions are and when they may appear, we now turn to how to address them. An effective, evidence-based approach involves professional treatment, personal lifestyle changes, and strong support networks.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, professional treatment may be needed. Withdrawal symptoms and cravings are common and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. Treatment can also help identify underlying mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD that may contribute to addiction. Rehabilitation programs, therapy, and medical studies can all be valuable places to start.
Personal lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and sleeping schedules, hygiene routines, exercise, and rewarding hobbies or volunteer work, are foundational to recovery. Techniques such as Urge Surfing (“riding out” cravings without giving in), Cognitive Restructuring (identifying, challenging, and replacing dysfunctional beliefs), and Behavioral Reinforcement (celebrating progress and using reward systems) have been proven to aid recovery.
Finally, strong support networks help keep those struggling with addiction accountable and provide a reason to keep trying, whether through loved ones, peer groups, or companions in treatment. The 5-3-1 Rule (5 check-ins with loved ones, 3 casual social interactions, and 1 solo activity per week) is a helpful framework for maintaining a strong support network.
Written by: Ria Melchor, LPCA /Supervised by Adriana Gutierrez, LPC-S