What is addictive behavior

Learn to recognize the signs of addiction ». Over time, the addiction becomes difficult to stop. Some people may try a substance or behavior and never approach it again, while others become addicted.

The frontal lobe allows a person to delay feelings of reward or gratification. In addiction, the frontal lobe malfunctions and gratification is immediate. Additional areas of the brain may also play a role in addiction. Other possible causes of addiction include chemical imbalances in the brain and mental disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These disorders can lead to coping strategies that become addictions. Experts believe that repeated and early exposure to addictive substances and behaviors play a significant role.

Genetics also increase the likelihood of an addiction by about 50 percent, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. But just because addiction runs in the family does not necessarily mean a person will develop one.

Environment and culture also play a role in how a person responds to a substance or behavior. Traumatic experiences that affect coping abilities can also lead to addictive behaviors. Addiction will often play out in stages. Serious complications can cause health concerns or social situations to result in the end of a life. All types of addiction are treatable.

The best plans are comprehensive, as addiction often affects many areas of life. Treatments will focus on helping you or the person you know stop seeking and engaging in their addiction.

You can also visit your primary care doctor for an evaluation. The type of treatment a doctor recommends depends on the severity and stage of the addiction. With early stages of addiction, a doctor may recommend medication and therapy. Later stages may benefit from inpatient addiction treatment in a controlled setting. You can book an appointment with a primary care doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool. Overcoming addiction is a long journey. Support can go a long way in making the recovery process more successful.

Many organizations can help, depending on the type of addiction. A strong social support system is important during recovery. Break free from addiction by dialing Only you have the power to transform your life. Call now. All of our of programs are working closely with the Health Department and CDC guidelines to ensure we continue to provide safe and effective treatment for our clients. We remain open and are accepting admissions.

Skip to content. Jun 1 Added By Red Oak Recovery. Red Oak Recovery. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn. Tags: addiction treatment programs addictive behaviors behavioral therapy behavioral therapy programs co occurring disorder treatment understanding addiction.

Related posts. Even if you don't want to tell other people about your problem, try not to lie to those closest to you. Self-help can be an important first step. Consider finding out more about the behavior and some of the ways you can manage it. Many people live with behavioral addictions, and although they can wreak havoc on your life, it is possible to recover.

Talk to your doctor when you are ready to take the next step. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Robbins TW, Clark L. Behavioral addictions. Curr Opin Neurobiol.

Behavioral addictions as mental disorders: To be or not to be? Annu Rev Clin Psychol. Behavioral addiction versus substance addiction: Correspondence of psychiatric and psychological views.

Int J Prev Med. Gambling disorder and other behavioral addictions: Recognition and treatment. Harv Rev Psychiatry. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind.

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I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. What Is a Behavioral Addiction? How to Know the Symptoms of an Addiction. The Best Online Therapy Programs We've tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.