Recovery Direct Specialises in Treating Behavioural Disorders
Examples of these behaviours are compulsive shopping, sex addiction (or compulsive sex), overeating, problems with gambling, exercise or sports addiction, and internet addiction.
What is a behavioural addiction?
A behavioural addiction is an involuntary compulsion to engage in an activity that is stimuli-rewarding, but not substance-related. There is no addiction to harmful solid substances, such as drugs or alcohol, involved. It is a type of mental “reward” that satisfies a compulsion without requiring the addict to physically absorb a “mood enhancing” substance.
These compulsive behaviours are carried out despite a range of negative consequences in terms of the person’s physical, mental, social or financial wellbeing. The addiction is a recurring compulsion; an irresistible, ongoing urge to repeatedly engage in a specific activity, despite the addict knowing that it is harmful in some way.
Sometimes the compulsion may not be about actually doing something, but rather about avoiding something, such as postponing a task or not doing a task at all. An example of this is procrastination; the addict has a history of putting off the fulfilment of tasks, even though they know there may be negative consequences if the task is not done in time.
Behavioural addictions are also referred to as “natural awards” or “process addictions”. With the right psychiatric course of treatment many of these behaviours can be overcome and individuals can lead fulfilled lives again.
Sex addiction, also known as hypersexual disorder, is characterised by ongoing and escalating sexual thoughts and actions that have negative consequences on an individual’s lifestyle.
The eating disorder treatment programme provides support for people in recovery from eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating and other food and body image related issues.
Treatment for compulsive gambling disorders may include several different approaches depending on the individual’s unique life circumstances.
Internet addiction can be described as an impulse control or behavioural disorder. While this type of addiction may not involve an intoxicating drug, it is very closely linked to pathological gambling.
How do I go about stopping my addictive behaviour?
Most addictions require psychological and psychiatric intervention but this starts with the user being willing to change. A person can begin their journey of stopping addictive behaviours by following these guidelines below:
- Document the harmful effects of your addiction in a notebook
- List all the positive changes you would like to see in your life
- Formulate a quitting commitment
Set a concrete date to quit - Seek personal and professional support
- Familiarise yourself with your triggers
- Start decreasing your addictive habit
- Re-invent your environment so that it is free of triggers
- Stop the addictive behaviour as planned
- Occupy your time
- Steer clear of your triggers
- Identify and resist rationalisations
- Congratulate yourself on your accomplishments