- Adderall
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Chronic Relapse
- Cocaine
- Codependency
- Compulsive Hoarding
- Crack Cocaine
- Crystal Meth
- Dual Diagnosis
- Eating Disorder
- Ecstasy
- Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
- Gender Specific Issues
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Inhalants
- Ketamine (Special K)
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- OxyContin
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Process Addiction
- Ritalin and Concerta
- Sex and Love Addiction
- Steroids
- Suboxone
- Synthetic Cannabis
- Trauma
- Valium
- Video Game Addiction
- Xanax
Process Addiction
Process addiction is a psychological dependence on a behavioral activity or process (gambling, sexual activity, shopping), as opposed to substance or chemical dependencies or addictions. Individuals with process addictions exhibit similar characteristics and behavior patterns as those with substance addictions (including withdrawal symptoms), and require psychological treatment and rehabilitation in order to overcome them. While the mental health community considers process addiction a treatable medical condition, the public views it is a moral condition and thus with a great deal of skepticism. Lack of understanding contributes to this doubt, since the public tends to hold the view that process addictions reflect a weakness of character, and that self-discipline is the only thing needed to control such behaviors.
Types of process addictions
In addition to gambling, shopping, and sexual activity, there are other types of process addictions. Among them are
- Eating
- Work (the workaholic)
- Exercise
- Dieting
- Cleaning
- Religious obsession
- The internet
- Pornography
In fact, any activity or behavior that consistently interferes with the daily life of the participant, risks evolving into a process addiction.
Causes of process addiction
Addiction is a highly complex issue, with its roots in the genetic make-up, environment, psychological profile, and social status of the individual. No single factor seems to be the specific cause, as each plays some role. In any case, process addictions begin on a small scale and gradually expand. In some cases, process addictions result from treatment for substance addictions (for example, overeating as a result of quitting smoking).
Symptoms of process addiction
As with substance addiction, there are recognizable behaviors that help identify process addiction. They include
- An exhibiting of emotions and motivations that places a significant or obsessive/pathological importance on the behavior, resulting in a perceived compulsion to constantly repeat or participate in the activity.
- Continuing to participate in the activity, despite any resulting negative physical, financial, social, or psychological consequences.
- The sufferer believes that he or she has lost control and no longer has the will power and strength to moderate or stop the identified activity.
- Reliance on a number of defense mechanisms to hide, mask, or cover up the behavior, or in order to justify or excuse it.
- A psychological reward is received that creates a heightened sense of well-being, accomplishment, or self- worth that fuels the habitual participation in the activity or process.
- Development of tolerance – as time passes, the sufferer needs to increase the frequency or other aspect of the behavior in order to maintain the desired effect.
- Withdrawal Symptoms – When the activity is stopped, sufferers experiences physical ailments, anxiety, depression, anger, and other conditions that interfere with what is considered normal functioning in society.
Problems of process addiction
Process addictions can create the same problems as substance abuse: illness, job loss, financial ruin, and death. In the case of gambling, financial losses can run into the millions, and destroy lives and families. Shopping or spending disorders can have the same results, as insurmountable debt accumulates. Eating disorders account for numerous life threatening diseases, and sexual addiction can destroy marriages and contribute to the spread of STDs, including HIV/AIDS.
Treatment of process addiction
Identifying the addictive behavior is the first step in treating process addictions. Following this, a commitment to ending the behavior is necessary. Ending process addiction can be difficult and may require extended periods in therapy and a range of treatments. Because process addiction is considered a treatable medical condition, many treatment facilities have developed programs to treat this illness. Because no two situations are identical, effective treatment programs must be flexible and able to utilize any of a number of methodologies in order to help the patient overcome the addiction. After completing a treatment program, participation in support groups is highly recommended.
Underlying conditions and Dual Diagnosis
Process addictions rarely happen unexpectedly. Most spring from an underlying issue and the consequential activity is directly attributable to this. Treatment programs with qualified staff members who are experienced in behavioral analysis are in the best position to evaluate a patient and develop a treatment program that considers and deals with all variables.
Studies have shown that those suffering from substance dependence tend to have a process addiction as well. Also, those with a substance or process addiction may have more than one, or may develop a new one to replace the one being addressed. In addition, some substance addictions also have coexisting process addictions, as in the case of the social and behavioral aspects of tobacco or alcohol addiction. The ability of the staff of a treatment facility to identify these circumstances is vital to the recovery process, as failing to address other conditions may defeat the entire treatment process.
If you or someone you know may be suffering from a process or substance addiction, The Way Out Recovery can help. We are in position to help you find a treatment program near you that meets your requirements. Delaying or wondering what to do does not solve the problem, it merely exacerbates it. Action is the only solution. When you fill out our brief, anonymous, questionnaire we will provide you with the information you need to help you or your loved one regain control of his or her life. Act now.