5 Steps to Break Free from Behavioral Addiction

Addiction is no longer limited to substances like drugs or alcohol. The concept of addiction has expanded to include behaviors that activate the pleasure center of the brain, such as gaming, social media use, gambling, and even shopping. These behaviors, known as behavioral addictions or process addictions, can be just as compelling and disruptive as substance addiction.

Read on as Dr. Dan Guy explores what drives behavioral addictions and how to use that information to shape five steps for overcoming behavioral addictions.

What Drives Behavioral Addictions?

What drives these behavioral addictions? The answer lies in the intricate workings of our brains. When we engage in activities that trigger the pleasure center, such as winning a game or receiving likes on a social media post, our brains release feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins.

Over time, our brains learn to crave these experiences, leading to a cycle of reinforcement where the behavior is repeated to achieve the same pleasurable outcome.

Watch this video to learn more about the reward system in your brain.

Addiction Isn’t Limited to Substance Abuse

Chemical drugs are notorious for stimulating the pleasure center of the brain, but various behaviors can also activate the same area.

Dr. Dan Guy explains:

“Indulgences like consuming sweet foods, watching humorous shows, achieving success in challenging tasks, experiencing intimacy, or making enjoyable purchases can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, leading to a sense of reward.”

However, both chemicals and certain behaviors carry the potential for addiction. Some have even elevated addiction from a mere behavior to a complex medical condition or chronic brain disorder. The challenge with addictions, whether to chemicals or behaviors, lies in the need for escalating doses to achieve the same level of pleasure over time, leading individuals to seek out more stimuli to feel good.

Intermittent rewards and social reinforcement, such as receiving validation on social media, further reinforce addictive behaviors. Intermittent reinforcement, such as the unpredictable nature of social media likes or notifications, can further strengthen addictive behaviors. Our brains become conditioned to seek out these rewards, leading to compulsive behavior patterns.

Moreover, the removal of stimuli can lead to negative reinforcement, perpetuating a cycle where individuals feel compelled to seek out more to maintain their well-being. This pursuit can have detrimental effects on various aspects of life, including work performance and relationships.

Positive Versus Negative Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement involves receiving a reward for a behavior, while negative reinforcement involves the removal of something unpleasant. For example, playing a video game may temporarily alleviate anxiety, serving as negative reinforcement. Similarly, receiving likes or comments on a social media post can act as positive reinforcement, encouraging us to continue posting.

How to Reclaim Control of Your Life

If addictions were easy to stop, by definition, it wouldn’t be an addiction.

While it’s not easy… it’s also not impossible.

Step One: Awareness

Recognizing and addressing behavioral addictions is crucial for reclaiming control of our lives. Awareness is the first step. By acknowledging the signs of addiction and its impact on our lives, we can begin to take proactive steps towards recovery. Preferably, it’s ideal to reach this awareness before reaching rock bottom.

Step 2: Organize Support from Family, Friends, and Professionals

Seeking support from friends, family, and professionals is essential. Having external accountability and guidance can help us establish healthier habits and coping mechanisms.

Step 3: Establish Limits

Setting limits, whether through parental controls on devices or budgeting for shopping, can also prevent excessive indulgence in addictive behaviors.

Step 4: Explore the Underlying Cause of Addiction

Furthermore, it’s essential to explore the underlying causes of addiction. Often, addictive behaviors serve as coping mechanisms for underlying issues such as anxiety or low self-esteem.

Dr. Dan Guy adds, “So, dig in and find what is underlying the addiction (example: to escape anxiety) and deal the underlying cause head on. Often, this is where professional help comes in. If you decrease the anxiety, for example, you decrease the need for addiction.”

By addressing these root causes, we can decrease the reliance on addictive behaviors.

Step 5: Learn Healthier Habits and Rewire Your Brain for Lasting Change

Finally, learning to cultivate new, healthier habits is key to long-term recovery. Rewiring the brain to find pleasure in other activities and enjoying life beyond the pursuit of the next fix is essential for lasting change.

Get the Help You Need

In conclusion, behavioral addictions are a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address effectively. By understanding the mechanisms behind these addictions and taking proactive steps towards recovery, we can regain control of our lives and cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling existence.

As a multidisciplinary practice, the Next Step team can address all facets of addiction from underlying anxiety and depression to impulsive behavior. To schedule an appointment, click here. 

About Dr. Dan Guy

Dr. Dan Guy is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has provided quality mental health services for over 29 years. As a gifted and highly observant listener, Dr. Guy serves adults, older teens, couples, and families with compassion and care.

Dr. Guy graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bible Studies from Kentucky Christian University. He then earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Morehead State University. He continued to work his way across the state of Kentucky, completing his formal education by obtaining his Doctorate of Psychology at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky.

 Dr. Guy has had the privilege of working in a variety of settings throughout his career. While working in Kentucky Community Mental Health Centers, he provided psychological testing and worked with both children and adults struggling with issues ranging from behavioral disorders to emotional and thought disorders. Dr. Guy also served as the Clinical Manager at a Louisville hospital, managing the counseling services for an inpatient psychiatric unit, a partial hospitalization unit, a mental health intensive outpatient program (IOP), a chemical dependency IOP, and an outpatient office. He has also served as the Clinical Director for a residential youth services organization providing mental health services for Kentucky youth who are in state care.

Dr. Guy specializes in the treatment of ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood swings, relational problems, and issues pertaining to self-doubt and self-value. He is skilled in the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution focused therapy, and reality therapy. He also provides psychotherapy for individuals with bipolar disorder and some addictive behaviors. Dr. Guy has helped hundreds of individuals, couples, and families establish loving relationships, healthy communication, and effectively address mental health issues. As a trusted professional, Dr. Guy will walk beside you as you face challenges in your life and will guide you toward healing and fulfillment.

You can now book an appointment with Dr. Guy here. or give us a call at our Louisville, Kentucky mental health clinic at 502-339-2442 .