Sex, Gambling, and Internet Addictions: Non-Substance Addictions Can Ruin Lives

When most people think about addiction, they will imagine someone who is addicted to drugs or drinking alcohol. The truth is, addictive behaviours have the potential to be just as destructive as addictions to chemical substances. Many people become addicted to pornography, gambling, sex, and even the Internet. What causes people to become addicted to these things and how is it different from chemical addictions?

Understanding What Defines a Behavioural Addiction

When someone has a compulsion to engage in a rewarding non-substance related behaviour, even when there are potential negative consequences, this is referred to as a behavioural or process addiction. People can suffer from behavioural addictions that will cause them financial, emotional, physical, and mental harm.

Researchers have discovered that the chemicals that are released in the brain when someone takes drugs or uses alcohol are the same as the ones released in those who experience a “high” by doing certain actions repetitiously. A recent study on lab rats has discovered that obese rats experience a similar process to human drug addiction when they are eating too much food.

This all has to do with the dopamine D2 receptor. Brains have a reward response when you engage in certain activities. Things, such as sex and eating, cause people to feel good. People who are addicted to certain behaviours have problems knowing when they have had enough. Instead of being satisfied, they continue to seek out more.

Different Types of Behavioural Addictions

Of course, there are many types of non-substance behavioural addictions that people can suffer from. These activities are not necessarily inherently bad. When enjoyed in moderation, these can all be a healthy part of a person’s life. For addicts, it may not be possible to control how much they are taking part in these types of activities.

Shopping Addictions

Having a shopping addiction will put a person in a tough spot right away. There are people who love shopping so much that they cannot stop buying things. With online shopping being so easy in the modern era, the temptation to buy things is always there. People with shopping addictions struggle to maintain responsible spending habits and this can cause them to fall behind on important payments.

People who have really bad shopping addictions may even wind up losing their homes. It can put your family in a terrible situation. The constant need to buy new things is something that needs to be brought under control as soon as possible.

Sex Addictions

Sex addiction recovery is harder to achieve than many people realise. Normal sexual activity is healthy and it can be one of the best parts of life. Those who are addicted to sex may wind up seeking it out in a self-destructive way. Sex addicts often practice unsafe sex and are at an increased risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases. This can also lead to unwanted pregnancies and an inability to maintain meaningful romantic relationships.

This type of addiction can also lead to problems such as pornography addiction. Some people cannot get enough sexual activity and will seek it out at the expense of the rest of their life responsibilities.

Gambling Addictions

Gambling is something that gives many people a real rush. Occasional gambling is seen as an acceptable hobby by many, but it can be very dangerous for people when they become addicted. Some people become so addicted to gambling that they will bet large amounts of money without fully understanding the potential consequences. This can wind up causing people to ruin their lives and it can be tough to get back to a positive place in life.

Internet Addictions

Many people who have social problems spend a lot of time on the Internet. Most people spend many hours per day on the Internet. It has become a normal part of life that is very crucial for many people’s careers. The problem is that some people wind up getting addicted to the Internet and everything that it has to offer.

Online gaming is one aspect of the Internet that really pulls people in. Spending time on social media is also something that people become addicted to. There are many people out there who spend unhealthy amounts of time online. This can wind up causing them to neglect other areas of their lives, leading to employment issues and financial problems.

The Symptoms and Potential Signs of Behavioural Addictions

There are actually many different signs of behavioural addictions. If you notice any of the following symptoms, then it is possible that you or someone that you love could be suffering from a behavioural disorder. One of the most common signs of addiction is a complete lack of control. Sometimes, a person will know what they are doing is wrong or ill-advised, but they will simply not be able to stop themselves.

Secrecy is another sign of a behavioural disorder. Many people who suffer from these problems try to cover their tracks and keep things to themselves. Recklessness is also common among those who suffer from behaviour disorders. People often avoid life responsibilities just to take part in the behaviour that they are addicted to.

It is also possible that you may notice someone feeling extremely guilty or emotionally low after performing the behaviour. Sometimes, addicts will experience constant guilt as they know that something is not right inside of them. They will likely experience a rush of adrenaline when doing the activity that they are addicted to, but will come crashing down afterwards.

Potential Treatments for Non-Substance Addictions

There are many potential treatments for non-substance addictions. The best thing that you can do if you or someone that you love is suffering from an addiction is to seek help. Professionals can help you out in many ways. One of the most common ways to get help is to go to therapy.

Receiving counselling or therapy is going to be extremely beneficial. A counsellor or therapist can help you to treat your behavioural addiction. This is going to allow you to work on your issues while recognising your negative behaviour patterns. The therapist can help you to remove things in your life that trigger certain behaviours, allowing you to heal over time.

Medications can be used in certain situations, too. Some people who are experiencing behavioural disorders may also be suffering from anxiety or depression. Treating these mental health conditions can make it easier to address the behavioural problems.

Support groups or group therapy may also prove to be beneficial. Being able to speak to others who are in a similar situation can be eye opening. It can help addicts to learn to live a more balanced life over time.

Get Behavioural Addiction Treatment Today

You can get addiction treatment in Thailand that will address all of your issues. It may feel as if you will never be able to get better today, but the professionals can help you out. Your behaviours may have put you in a tough spot in life, but things can still be turned around. When you have the best possible help on your side, it will be much easier to get through all of your problems.

Addiction does not have to define your life. You can find happiness once again and start living a healthier life. It may take time to address all of your problems, but you will never be alone when you seek out expert help.