{"id":440,"date":"2021-04-21T17:20:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T21:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/?page_id=440"},"modified":"2022-07-27T17:19:57","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T21:19:57","slug":"process-addiction","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/process-addiction\/","title":{"rendered":"Process Addiction"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Contrary to popular belief, behaviors can be just as addictive as substances. Referred to as \u201cprocess addictions,\u201d these mental health conditions can have serious consequences.<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Process addiction, also known as behavioral addiction, is an addiction characterized by a strong impulse to partake in a specific behavior.  An individual with a process addiction engages in this behavior even when it results in harmful consequences to an individual\u2019s emotional, interpersonal or physical well-being. Process addictions do not involve drugs or alcohol<\/a>. Instead, the behaviors themselves provide a natural reward or emotional high. Behavioral addictions are fueled by compulsive behaviors that cause distress across all areas of a person\u2019s life. As with any addictive behaviors, those with process addiction are unable to refrain from taking part in the behavior and require treatment and intervention to stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Process Addiction?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although most people associate addiction with substances, addictions can occur without the involvement of substances. These addictions are habitual and provide a person with an emotional high, which keeps the person engaging in that behavior. Process addictions are classified as compulsive and addictive behaviors that are detrimental to a person\u2019s well-being. Despite the negative consequences, a person will continue to partake in the behavior and may feel shame and remorse after doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While process addictions don\u2019t involve substances, they share similar characteristics with drug or alcohol addiction<\/a>. Like substance addictions, people with process addictions are unable to control themselves and cannot stop themselves from engaging in certain behaviors. Also similar to substance addictions, a person with a process addiction will remain fixated on a behavior and go to great lengths to avoid the feelings of discomfort that would result from stopping the action. A person with a process addiction will continue to partake in a behavior despite the adverse outcomes that it may cause, which is a hallmark of both types of addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Types of Process Addictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some types of process addictions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n