Behavioral science experts believe that anything that can stimulate a person can also become addictive. When a habit turns into an obligation, or when something one likes to do turns into something that one has to do, it is considered an addiction. Addiction is a dependence on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, or an activity, such as gaming. It is simply an excessive behavior that negatively interferes with normal life functioning. In fact, there are similarities and differences between the symptoms of drug or alcohol addiction and behavioral addiction. If you or a loved one is battling addiction, there is help available.
At Fort Behavioral Health, we recognize that addiction in any form should be treated like the disease that it is. Our addiction therapy programs are personalized to fit your specific needs in treatment. First, it is important to understand behavioral and substance addiction.
What Is Behavioral Addiction?
Behavioral addictions include overeating, compulsive television watching, internet addiction, and gaming addiction. There are two types of behavioral addiction: passive or active. Television addiction is passive, while gaming is considered active. It is different than drug or alcohol addiction in that it is not a substance the person is addicted to but is rather addicted to a behavior or a feeling induced by the action. Furthermore, the physical signs of drug or alcohol addiction are not present in behavioral addiction. Still, those who suffer from behavioral addictions have specific symptoms and experience the same consequences as those with drug or alcohol addictions.
Similarities Between Behavioral and Drug Addictions
However, similarities occur between both behavioral and drug addiction when there are functional impairments in social, work, and familial settings. Furthermore, the person’s life becomes dominated by the activity in behavioral addiction, just as the person’s life becomes dominated by the substance in drug or alcohol addiction.
Also, users experience a “high” in both addictions, and tolerance builds up while stopping the activity or substance leads to withdrawal symptoms for the individual. Both types of addiction lead to conflicts with others or the self. Attempts to quit the behavior or substance use also lead to relapse and resumption of the activity or substance, leading to negative consequences in life, at work, at school, or at home. However, although it may seem to be insurmountable, recovery is possible.
Fort Behavioral Health’s Addiction Therapy Programs
At Fort Behavioral Health, our treatment options include a behavioral therapy program to help those ready to develop healthy skills and strategies and lessen or eliminate negative behaviors. We also proudly offer therapeutic approaches such as:
- Co-occurring disorder treatment program
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Dialectical therapy program
- Trauma therapy program
- Motivational interviewing program
Our team is committed to providing outstanding addiction treatment for anyone who is in our care. We treat each person with the respect and dignity they deserve. Today can be the day that your entire life changes for the better when you contact our friendly team today.
Begin Your Recovery from Addiction at Fort Behavioral Health
Just as with substance abuse treatment, education is key to preventing the development of behavioral addiction. Often, coupled with behavioral addiction is a drug or alcohol addiction. Risk factors for any addiction include stress, anxiety, depression, and many other psychological issues. Treating these underlying issues is an important step in preventing addictions from occurring in the first place. Recognizing the signs of any addiction is imperative to preventing or recovering from the addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, contact us today at 844.332.1807 or visit us online. Recovery is possible, but the first step is up to you. Contact the professional team at Fort Behavioral Health today.
