Behavioral Addictions
Abstract
Behavioral Addictions are non-chemical related and do not rely on alcohol and other drugs. Behavioral addictions have minor fewer consequences when compared with alcohol and drug addiction which have far-reaching effects. This addiction, however, shares some similarities with alcohol and drug addiction. Its diagnostic criteria in DSM-IV-TR only recognize gambling but there are considerations of incorporating other behaviors such as internet and sexual addiction in DSM 5.Introduction
Behavioral addiction is increasingly referred to as non-substance-related addiction or process addiction. It includes a compulsion often engage in an action. It is such engagement that results in detrimental consequences to an individual’s mental, physical, and social well-being. One symptom that behavior has become addictive is if it persists in spite of the negative consequences. Behavior addictions function to produce pleasure as well as provide an escape from internal discomfort, characterized by failure to control the behavior.
Definition
Behavioral addiction is a form of addiction that is non-compound in nature and does not rely on alcohol and other drugs. There is a belief that behavioral addictions exist due to the presence of some addictive behaviors. Such behaviors include addiction to gambling, sex internet as well as computer and video games.
Difference between behavioral addiction and alcohol and drug addiction
The major difference between behavioral addiction and alcohol and drug addiction is that behavioral addiction does not involve the use of chemicals. Another difference between the two is that drug addiction has more overwhelming effects both biologically and psychologically. For instance, excessive use of marijuana has effects for the working memory and may result to paranoia. Excessive use of cocaine may result to hallucinations and schizophrenia. These consequences are unlikely for individuals who have behavioral addiction such as sex or shopping. Potenza MN. (2006).
Similarities of behavioral addiction and alcohol and drug addiction
The critical feature of behavioral addictions is the failure to resist impulse, temptation or drive to perform the addictive act. Every behavioral addiction is characteristic of a recurrent pattern of behavior. The repetitive element in these behaviors ends up interfering with functioning in other domains. It is in this perspective that behavioral addictions are similar to substance use addictions. Individuals with addiction to alcohol and other drugs report difficulties in resisting the urge to use drugs or drink. This is similar to behavioral addictions where behavioral addicts have a hard time refraining from the behavior. The two are also similar in that addicts of both categories often have feelings of tension and arousal prior to committing the act. Grant JE (2006).
Behavioral addiction diagnostic criteria in the DSM-IV-TR
The criterion only recognizes gambling as a behavioral addiction. I think it amendments ought to be made so that it recognizes other behavioral addictions. Such behavioral addictions include: computer/video game addiction, sexual addiction, internet addiction among others. Its diagnostic criteria that are theoretically similar to those of substance abuse should be maintained. American Psychiatric Association. (2000).
Treatment for behavioral addictions
The most effective treatments for behavioral addictions are the ones that do not rely on medicines. Rehabilitation through specialty psychotherapy is one of the effective treatments for behavioral addictions. This includes teaching patients how to recognize triggers and adopt healthier coping strategies. Group therapy is also a form of treatment for behavioral addictions. It includes giving patients an opportunity to learn from each other, which enables them to develop a support network during treatment. Tavares H. (2007).
Reference:
Potenza MN. (2006)Should addictive disorders include non-substance-related conditions?Addiction.101: 142–151.
American Psychiatric Association. (2000)Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.4. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
Grant JE, Brewer JA, Potenza MN. (2006) The neurobiology of substance and behavioral addictions.CNS Spectr.; 11(12):924–930.
Tavares H, Gentil V. (2007) Pathological gambling and obsessive-compulsive disorder: towards a spectrum of disorders of volition.Rev Bras Psiquiatr.; 29(2):107–117.
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