Behavioural addiction refers to the compulsive engagement in behaviours or activities that may initially feel rewarding but ultimately cause distress, harm, and impair daily functioning. Unlike substance use disorders, these addictions don't involve chemical substances but are driven by psychological rewards.
Common examples of behavioural addiction include:
These behaviours activate the brain's reward system, leading to repeated engagement despite negative consequences. Similar to substance addiction, behavioural addiction often results in impaired control, cravings, mood swings, and life disruptions.
Behavioural addiction can manifest in various ways depending on the specific behaviour. Common signs and symptoms of behavioural addiction include:
Behavioural addictions may look different depending on the specific behaviour, but all of them can significantly impact mental health, relationships, and daily functioning. Here are the types of behavioural addiction we treat:
Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is characterised by an overwhelming urge to gamble despite the negative consequences.
Gaming addiction is the excessive and compulsive use of video games that interferes with daily life, social interactions, and other activities.
Social media addiction involves spending an excessive amount of time on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, leading to a negative impact on mental health and relationships.
Pornography addiction is characterised by the compulsive consumption of pornographic content, often leading to sexual dysfunction, emotional distress, and relationship problems.
Food addiction refers to compulsive overeating, often driven by emotional triggers such as stress, boredom, or sadness, rather than actual hunger.
Sex addiction involves compulsive sexual behaviour that can interfere with relationships, work, and daily responsibilities.
At Nityanand Rehab Centre, we understand that overcoming behavioural addiction requires comprehensive care and a personalised treatment plan that addresses both psychological and physical aspects of recovery.
CBT is a highly effective therapy for treating behavioural addiction. It helps individuals:
MET helps individuals enhance their motivation to change by exploring the personal benefits of overcoming the addiction. The therapy:
Behavioural addiction treatment includes skills-building workshops to prepare patients for high-risk situations. This therapy:
Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their struggles, learn from peers, and receive encouragement from others who understand their challenges. Peer support plays a vital role in building community, empathy, and accountability.
Family members are crucial in the recovery process. We offer family therapy to:
Our holistic therapies support overall recovery by:
At Nityanand Rehab Centre, we treat behavioural addiction as a multi-dimensional issue, focusing on the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of recovery. Our goal is to help individuals regain control, balance, and fulfilment by combining psychological treatment with holistic practices.
Behavioural addiction is a condition where individuals develop a compulsive need to engage in certain behaviours (e.g., gambling, gaming, social media use) despite adverse consequences.
The most common types of behavioural addiction include gambling addiction, gaming addiction, social media addiction, pornography addiction, food addiction, and sex addiction.
Treatment for behavioural addiction includes therapy (such as CBT), counselling, support groups, and holistic therapies to address underlying emotional issues.
While behavioural addiction may not be "cured," it can be managed effectively with therapy, lifestyle changes, and personal support, allowing individuals to regain control.
Symptoms include obsessive thoughts, loss of control, inability to stop, and negative impact on relationships, work, and daily life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a behavioural addiction, Nityanand Rehab Centre is here to help. Our compassionate, expert team will guide you through every step of the recovery process, offering personalised treatment to support long-term healing.
