Behavioural Addiction

Behavioural addiction, sometimes referred to as impulse control disorder, can be challenging to deal with. Here at Verve Healthcare, we offer services regarding more than just drug addiction. Addiction is widespread, and behavioural addiction should be taken seriously.

If you or a family member has a behavioural addiction, it’s a good idea to get help and support now. The longer you leave an addiction, the worse it could become, causing detrimental mental health disorders.

Our team consists of diligent and committed individuals. They are always available to provide assistance. Our goal is to ensure that anyone who seeks help from us has all the information they require. We help you find the right rehab centre based on our expertise and experience.

We help you in your recovery journey. Our services are excellent and our team is available to support you whenever you need assistance. It’s normal to have concerns and worries about finding rehabilitation to attend. Regardless of whether you have a drug or behavioural addiction, you can rest assured that we will be able to help.

Living with a behavioural addiction can be just as challenging as suffering from a drug addiction. You’re in a never-ending cycle of addiction, similar to being hooked on a particular drug, such as cocaine or being alcohol dependent. The thrill that you get from winning money whilst gambling or repeating an addictive action causes your brain to release endorphins.

We prioritise your recovery and ensure all of your needs are met. Attending quality rehab is key when you need to recover and detox in a safe space. Similar to having obsessions, behavioural addiction can take its toll on both your life and others around you.

 

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What is Behavioural Addiction?

Behavioural addiction might not sound familiar if you haven’t been around someone experiencing it before and due to it only recently being added to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Yet, essentially, behavioural addiction is the term used to address an addiction that’s caused by behaviour only.

Often, addiction is linked with drug abuse, but this isn’t the case with behavioural addiction. Ultimately, behavioural addiction is driven by happy hormones; when you complete your desired action, your brain releases hormones.

Behaviorally addicted individuals have certain symptoms and will undergo the same consequences brought about by addiction to alcohol and drugs as well as other obsessive behaviours. Both rehabilitation and detox are often necessary for those suffering from behavioural addiction.

There’s an array of addictions that fall under the behavioural addiction umbrella, including gambling, sex, shopping, exercise and food. Having a behavioural addiction can lead to health problems.

Although there’s a plethora of different behavioural addictions, gambling addiction is considered to be one of the most prominent. A gambling disorder and shopping addictions are perfect examples of how behaviours can cause addiction. Unfortunately, any actions that release endorphins have the possibility of leading to addiction.

Similar to substance abuse, behavioural addiction can have negative consequences on your mental health. Both your mind and body can be seriously affected by behavioural addiction, especially if you’re overeating or over-exercising. The destructive behaviour that you choose to take part in could seriously affect your everyday life and well-being in the long run.

 

Different Types of Behavioural Addiction

There’s a wide range of dependencies, and some behavioural addictions include sex acts, shopping, video games, the internet, social media, plastic surgery, exercise, gambling, self-harm and food. If you’re struggling with a behavioural addiction, then treating it is vital. When you get ahold of your addiction, you’ll be able to look forward to a healthier, more positive future.

 

Sex Addiction

Individuals living with sex addiction might experience frequent sexual thoughts, urges and desires. You cannot control these thoughts and you often need to act upon them. Sex addiction can affect relationships with your partner, as well as finances and other important aspects of your life. Also known as hypersexuality, sexual addiction mustn’t go untreated.

 

Video Game Addiction

In recent years there has been increasing global recognition among public health professionals and academics that particular patterns of video gaming may lead to marked impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning and psychological distress for a significant minority of players.

People who live with a video game addiction struggle to engage with the outside world, spending hours on end fixated on their video games. It’s not uncommon for people with video game addictions to spend whole days glued to their TV or computer.

 

Internet Addiction

Similar to video game addiction, internet addiction is becoming increasingly common in the modern world. If you find yourself spending hours on end sitting on your phone or laptop browsing the internet, you likely have an internet addiction.

Shopping, browsing, watching videos or playing games on your phone for long periods usually leads to an addiction. Excessive use of the internet means that you’re misusing it. Although it can be difficult to break these unhealthy habits, treating behavioural addictions will help massively.

 

Plastic Surgery Addiction

Plastic surgery addiction can be worrying, even more so if you’re having to watch a loved one change parts of their body. Typically, plastic surgery addiction stems from body dysmorphia. It’s upsetting to see plastic surgery addiction develop. With the right help, you can become happy with how you look and overcome the urge to change your appearance.

 

Self-Harm Addiction

People who self-harm are suffering from addictive behaviours. Individuals become addicted to harming themselves continuously. Self-harm is typically linked to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

The feeling of putting your body through pain releases emotions. We must look after our bodies; self-harm is dangerous and can cause ongoing problems and leave you with lifelong scars.

 

Food Addiction

Binge eating is considered a behavioural addiction, as the pleasing hormones that are released when you finish an enjoyable, tasty meal are the same that get released when a gambler wins a bet. Food addiction is dangerous; eating disorders cause an array of issues.

Unhealthy foods like those high in fat, salt, and sugar can make your brain want them more. This is because they release signals that trigger cravings for them. These signals make you desire to eat these foods again. Overeating also comes with emotional effects which cause additional compulsive behaviours.

 

Treating Behavioural Addiction

We treat behavioural addiction similarly to drug addiction. Substance abuse disorders are on the same reward wavelength as behavioural addiction issues. By attending therapies and group programmes, you’ll be able to overcome your addiction.

Our team is here to support you in all aspects; we work closely with you to understand the problems that you’re facing day to day, later using that information to find you a suitable rehab to attend within the UK. Different therapies will be offered depending on your addiction. For example, sex addicts would benefit greatly from therapies that burn energy and keep them feeling worn out.

Getting the correct treatment and therapies will allow you to move forward with your life. Leaving rehab might feel daunting when the time comes, but you’ll be glad to know that you’ll be taught effective coping mechanisms during your rehab journey. Most rehabilitation centres equip you with everything you need to know before your treatment plan ends.

 

Therapy for Behavioural Addiction

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a helpful approach for tackling behavioural addictions in the UK. It’s like a toolkit for changing our habits when we find ourselves stuck in activities like excessive binge eating, drug abuse, sex or more.

In CBT, you work with a trained therapist to identify the thoughts and feelings that drive your addictive behaviour.

Next, you learn new strategies to cope with those thoughts and emotions. This might involve setting goals, practising self-control, or finding healthier ways to handle stress.

Through regular sessions and practice, CBT helps you gradually break free from addictive behaviour. It’s a powerful tool for regaining control of your life and achieving a healthier balance in the UK, where behavioural addictions affect many.

Mindfulness-based therapy can also be beneficial in treating behavioural addiction. This therapy teaches you to be more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s useful for managing cravings and triggers. By staying present in the moment, you can gain better control over impulsive behaviours.

Many people find family therapy helpful. Addiction often affects not just the individual but their loved ones too. Family therapy involves sessions where the family learns about addiction, communicates openly, and provides support. It’s like rebuilding relationships on a stronger foundation.

DBT (dialectical behavioural therapy) is a slightly different approach to addiction treatment. DBT helps manage intense emotions that may lead to addictive behaviours. It combines skills training with individual therapy to improve emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

 

Get Help Today with Verve Healthcare

Our referral services are of the highest quality. We use our extensive knowledge and expertise to help clients seek the best treatment options. Our team understand how scary it can be to face reality; realising you need professional help comes with many emotions, and we’re here to help you deal with them.

Withdrawal symptoms of behavioural addiction can include anxiety, depression, irritability and moodiness. Feeling stressed and emotional when deprived of something you’re addicted to is completely normal; attending rehab helps you process your addiction. During rehab, you’ll have access to therapy and support groups.

For reliable referral services, look no further than Verve Healthcare. You can contact a member of our team today to learn more by calling us at 0203 955 7703. We look forward to assisting you in the near future and helping you find a trusted rehab clinic for you to attend.

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