Addictive behavior

{{Short description|Rewarding and reinforcing behaviours}} {{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}} {{addiction glossary|reverse citation order=yes}} An '''addictive behavior''' is a behavior, or a stimulus related to a behavior (e.g., sex or food), that is both rewarding and reinforcing, and is associated with the development of an addiction. There are two main forms of addiction: substance use disorders (including alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis) and behavioral addiction (including sex, gambling, eating, and shoplifting).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Top 10 Most Common Addictions in the U.S. |url= https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/10-most-common-addictions/|access-date=2021-03-07| work = Addiction Center | publisher = Recovery Worldwide LLC | location = Orlando, FL |language=en-US }}</ref> The parallels and distinctions between behavioral addictions and other compulsive behavior disorders like bulimia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are still being researched by behavioral scientists.<ref name="Cleveland Clinic">{{Cite web |title=Addiction |url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6407-addiction |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Cleveland Clinic |language=en}}</ref>

Defining addictive behavior presents a challenge, as the concept encompasses diverse behaviors, and therefore its usage has been contentious. Although, central to the definition is excessive dependence on a specific substance or activity, derived from the Latin term 'to enslave.'<ref name="Yücel_2007">{{cite journal | vauthors = Yücel M, Lubman DI, Solowij N, Brewer WJ | title = Understanding drug addiction: a neuropsychological perspective | journal = The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 41 | issue = 12 | pages = 957–968 | date = December 2007 | pmid = 17999268 | doi = 10.1080/00048670701689444 }}</ref> Furthermore, addictive behavior describes patterns characterized by a loss of control and a compulsion to accept a reward despite severe consequences. This often manifests in compulsive engagement, prioritizing short-term gratification over long-term consequences, and a transition from impulsivity to compulsivity.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Everitt BJ, Dickinson A, Robbins TW | title = The neuropsychological basis of addictive behaviour | journal = Brain Research. Brain Research Reviews | volume = 36 | issue = 2–3 | pages = 129–138 | date = October 2001 | pmid = 11690609 | doi = 10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00088-1 }}</ref> Consequently, addictive behaviors create a spectrum of activities that entrap individuals in repetitive patterns, despite the adverse consequences, echoing the enslavement inherent in the notion of addiction.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Heather N | title = Is the concept of compulsion useful in the explanation or description of addictive behaviour and experience? | journal = Addictive Behaviors Reports | volume = 6 | pages = 15–38 | date = December 2017 | pmid = 29450234 | doi = 10.1016/j.abrep.2017.05.002 | doi-access = free| pmc = 5800587 }}</ref>

Developments in research continue to reshape the human's understanding of addiction. Traditionally, addiction was largely associated with substance-use disorders, including alcohol and heroin, and therefore "non-substance-related (behavioral) addiction" was not listed in the two internationally used diagnostic manuals for mental disorders. However, contemporary research suggests that any stimulus capable of producing pleasure can lead to addiction. This shift broadens the scope of addiction to include excessive shopping, internet usage, computer gaming, gambling, and sex.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Popescu A, Marian M, Drăgoi AM, Costea RV | title = Understanding the genetics and neurobiological pathways behind addiction (Review) | journal = Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine | volume = 21 | issue = 5 | page = 544 | date = May 2021 | pmid = 33815617 | pmc = 8014976 | doi = 10.3892/etm.2021.9976 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Grant JE, Potenza MN, Weinstein A, Gorelick DA | title = Introduction to behavioral addictions | journal = The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse | volume = 36 | issue = 5 | pages = 233–241 | date = September 2010 | pmid = 20560821 | pmc = 3164585 | doi = 10.3109/00952990.2010.491884 }}</ref> Addictive behaviors, whether substance-related or behavioral, often involve deficiencies in inhibitory control, emotion regulation, and decision-making.<ref name="Yücel_2007" /> There are significant overlaps in diagnostic symptoms between substance use and behavioral addiction, including dominance over one's life, euphoric experiences, withdrawal symptoms, interpersonal conflicts, and the risk of relapse despite negative outcomes.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Alavi SS, Ferdosi M, Jannatifard F, Eslami M, Alaghemandan H, Setare M | title = Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views | journal = International Journal of Preventive Medicine | volume = 3 | issue = 4 | pages = 290–294 | date = April 2012 | pmid = 22624087 | pmc = 3354400 }}</ref>

From a neurobiological perspective, behavioral addiction may affect brain neurotransmitter systems similarly to pharmacological substances, such as the dopamine system.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Foddy B | title = Addiction and its sciences-philosophy | journal = Addiction | volume = 106 | issue = 1 | pages = 25–31 | date = January 2011 | pmid = 20955490 | doi = 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03158.x }}</ref> These behaviors often follow a three-step cycle consisting of preoccupation (anticipation), binge intoxication, and withdrawal effect, with reinforcement playing a central role in each stage. Reinforcement occurs through positive experiences during the initial engagement, negative reinforcement to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and conditioned reinforcement where cues associated with behavior or drugs trigger intense cravings, perpetuating the addiction.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Koob GF, Simon EJ | title = The Neurobiology of Addiction: Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going | journal = Journal of Drug Issues | volume = 39 | issue = 1 | pages = 115–132 | date = January 2009 | pmid = 20622969 | pmc = 2901107 | doi = 10.1177/002204260903900110 }}</ref>

Addiction is classified as a chronic brain disorder by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).<ref name="Cleveland Clinic" /> There are several reasons why people develop an addiction. A predisposition to the addictive qualities of substances may be inherited by some people, making it a genetic circumstance. Another cause for addictions could be the environment. Whether or not someone develops substance use problems can be influenced by their home and neighborhood, as well as the attitudes of their peers, family, and culture on substance use.<ref name="Cleveland Clinic" /> Another cause of developing an addiction could be related to mental health issues: over 50% of individuals with substance use disorders have experienced mental health issues at some point in their lives. Even moderate substance usage might exacerbate mental health issues in individuals.<ref name="Cleveland Clinic" /> The other view is from the moral standpoint which regards addictive behavior as an intentional choice was freely made by the addict.<ref name="Henden_2013">{{cite journal | vauthors = Henden E, Melberg HO, Røgeberg OJ | title = Addiction: choice or compulsion? | journal = Frontiers in Psychiatry | volume = 4 | page = 77 | date = 2013 | pmid = 23966955 | pmc = 3736117 | doi = 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00077 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

== How addiction affects the brain == Brain imaging techniques have assisted in mapping neural circuits involved in addictive behaviors, such as reward responses, cravings, cue conditioning, and withdrawal symptoms. This has provided key insights on the underlying mechanisms of addiction, including substance use and non-substance (behavioral) addictions.<ref name="Volkow_2018">{{cite journal | vauthors = Volkow ND, Boyle M | title = Neuroscience of Addiction: Relevance to Prevention and Treatment | journal = The American Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 175 | issue = 8 | pages = 729–740 | date = August 2018 | pmid = 29690790 | doi = 10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.17101174 }}</ref>

Addiction hijacks the brain's reward system, which normally encourages individuals to engage in survival-related activities such as socializing, eating, or achieving goals. Substances or specific behavioral activities create an intense "high" by flooding the reward system with dopamine, a chemical commonly known as "a feel-good chemical". Over time, the brain adapts to this surge by dampening its dopamine production and sensitivity to rewards. Consequently, the addicted individual may experience feelings of sluggishness and lack of motivation unless they consume the substance or engage in an activity to attain a sense of normalcy. This cycle of intense pleasure is followed by withdrawal symptoms and cravings, which fuel addiction.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = MacNicol B | title = The biology of addiction | journal = Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia | volume = 64 | issue = 2 | pages = 141–148 | date = February 2017 | pmid = 27837404 | doi = 10.1007/s12630-016-0771-2 }}</ref><ref name="Volkow_2018" />

Despite the traditional distinction between substance-use addictions and behavioral addictions, research reveals noteworthy similarities in their neurochemical mechanisms.<ref name="Potenza_2006">{{cite journal | vauthors = Potenza MN | title = Should addictive disorders include non-substance-related conditions? | journal = Addiction | volume = 101 | issue = s1 | pages = 142–151 | date = September 2006 | pmid = 16930171 | doi = 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01591.x }}</ref> Brain imaging studies demonstrates that both types of addiction activate similar regions in the mesolimbic reward pathway, a network linked to motivation and pleasure.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Spanagel R, Heilig M | title = Addiction and its brain science | journal = Addiction | volume = 100 | issue = 12 | pages = 1813–1822 | date = December 2005 | pmid = 16367982 | doi = 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01260.x }}</ref> Moreover, both involve changes in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for regulating mood, impulse control and reward processing. These convergent neurochemical features suggest that substance dependence and non-substance addictions follow similar fundamental stages.<ref name="Potenza_2006" />

The key stages of addiction are as follows:

'''Intoxication:''' Addictive substances induce dopamine surges in the mesolimbic reward system during intoxication, reinforcing a pleasurable high and establishing associations between drug-related cues and the anticipation of rewards

'''Adaptation:''' Individuals with addiction exhibit reduced dopamine production, leading to diminished sensitivity with repeated use. Besides dopamine, other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and opioids, contribute to initial pleasurable effects (euphoria) and are also impacted by the brain's adaptation to repeated use.

'''Withdrawal:''' Upon cessation of the behavior or the drug effect wearing off, individuals experience negative mood states, including anxiety and anhedonia, due to the dampened reward system. Withdrawal processes are mediated by basal forebrain areas and neurotransmitters such as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and norepinephrine.

'''Cravings:''' Conditioned cues (sight, smell, and emotions) drive cravings, prompting individuals to seek a re-experience of euphoria. Prefrontal circuits involved in highlighting the substance or addictive behavior's importance are activated, while the limbic region triggers an automatic response encouraging the pursuit of the activity or substance. Dusyfuntioning in prefrontal cortical regions impairs executive functions, making it difficult to resist craving despite adverse consequences.<ref name="Volkow_2018" />

These overlapping neurochemical features support the growing understanding of addiction as a border phenomenon, impacting substance-use and behavioral addictions.<ref name="Potenza_2006" />

==Compulsion vs addiction== Compulsions are the basis of addictions. Reward is one major distinction between compulsion in addicts and compulsion as it is experienced in obsessive-compulsive disorder. An addiction is, by definition, a form of compulsion, and involves operant reinforcement. For example, dopamine is released in the brain's reward system and is a motive for behaviour (i.e. the compulsions in addiction development through positive reinforcement).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Solinas M, Belujon P, Fernagut PO, Jaber M, Thiriet N | title = Dopamine and addiction: what have we learned from 40 years of research | journal = Journal of Neural Transmission | volume = 126 | issue = 4 | pages = 481–516 | date = April 2019 | doi = 10.1007/s00702-018-1957-2 | pmid = 30569209 | url = https://inserm.hal.science/inserm-02163255/file/DA%20and%20addiction%20Review%20Final%20copy.pdf }}</ref>

There are two main differences between compulsion and addiction. Compulsion is the need and desire to do something or carry out a task repetitively or persistently. Whereas addiction is defined by the following step after compulsion where an individual takes action on a compulsion to feel pleasure and satisfaction (the action is known as compulsive behavior). Notably, for addicts, compulsive behavior can lead to "persistent changes in the brain structures and functions" which creates a cycle of motivation for their behavior that is absent in OCD.<ref name="Henden_2013"/>

Compulsions (and compulsive behavior) do not necessarily include pleasure for the individual but addictive behavior does. In contrast, someone who experiences a compulsion as part of obsessive-compulsive disorder may not perceive anything rewarding from acting on the compulsion. Often, it is a way of dealing with the obsessive part of the disorder, resulting in a feeling of relief (i.e., compulsions may also arise through negative reinforcement).<ref>{{Cite web | title = Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: When Unwanted Thoughts or Repetitive Behaviors Take Over|url=https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-when-unwanted-thoughts-or-repetitive-behaviors-take-over|access-date=2020-10-13 | work = National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) | publisher = U.S. National Institutes of Health }}</ref>

== Correlation between different personality traits and addictive behaviors online == For over a decade, scientists have emphasized that contact with digital technology can potentially lead to addiction. People of all ages utilize digital devices, and their numbers are growing annually. Accordingly, excessive internet use can result in unhealthy internet use, also known as internet addiction.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rachubińska K, Cybulska A, Szkup M, Grochans E | title = Analysis of the relationship between personality traits and Internet addiction | journal = European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences | volume = 25 | issue = 6 | pages = 2591–2599 | date = March 2021 | pmid = 33829445 | doi = 10.26355/eurrev_202103_25422 }}</ref>

It's been proven that the big five personality traits and internet addiction are associated. A recent study aimed to examine the relationships between the big five personality traits and internet addiction within this framework.<ref name="Kayiş_2016">{{Cite journal | vauthors = Kayiş AR, Satici SA, Yilmaz MF, Şimşek D, Ceyhan E, Bakioğlu F |date=2016-10-01 |title=Big five-personality trait and internet addiction |journal=Computers in Human Behavior |volume=63 |issue=C |pages=35–40 |doi=10.1016/j.chb.2016.05.012 |issn=0747-5632}}</ref> As such, the researchers employed the meta-analysis method. In accordance with the study's goal, twelve papers were included in the meta-analysis, and thirteen effect sizes were derived from these investigations.<ref name="Kayiş_2016" /> In this case, it was shown that agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness to new experiences were inversely correlated with internet addiction, while neuroticism was positively correlated with it. As a result, it's thought that the big five personality traits play a significant role in the development of an internet addiction.<ref name="Kayiş_2016" />

Another study focuses on neuroticism, which has been frequently proven to be a risk factor for internet addiction. The following categories were used to summarize the concepts related to neuroticism and internet addiction: internalizing problems, externalizing problems, coping style, and other factors.<ref name="Marciano_2022">{{Cite journal | vauthors = Marciano L, Camerini AL, Schulz PJ |date= February 2022 |title=Neuroticism and internet addiction: What is next? A systematic conceptual review |journal=Personality and Individual Differences |volume=185 |article-number=111260 |doi=10.1016/j.paid.2021.111260 |issn=0191-8869|doi-access=free }}</ref> The most significant finding from the study is that, with rare exceptions, internet addiction has been primarily included as an outcome and all other ideas as predictors.<ref name="Marciano_2022" /> Internalizing problems comprise the most consistent subset of the topics in the study. In addition to having a positive correlation, neuroticism and internalizing problems were independent predictors of internet, smartphone, and social media addiction. Regarding externalizing problems—which were often the subject of less research—the same picture became apparent.<ref name="Marciano_2022" /> The review's findings also demonstrated that, similar to neurotic people's difficulties with emotion regulation, the internet provides them with a special setting in which to deal with unpleasant emotions. Furthermore, having poor-quality social relationships increases the risk of developing internet addiction and other digital addictions, particularly in those with high levels of neuroticism.<ref name="Marciano_2022" />

== Development of addictive behaviors in adolescents == Given the similarities between substance use addictions and behavioral addictions, the risk factors for susceptibility appear similar, with age of onset (adolescence) being a key factor.<ref name="Winters_2011" /> Adolescence is a period of time characterized by significant changes of physical, cognitive and emotional nature.<ref name="Tzavela_2013">{{Cite journal | vauthors = Tzavela EC, Mavromati FM |date=2013 |title=Online social networking in adolescence: Associations with development, well-being and internet addictive behaviors. |url= |journal=International Journal of Adolescence |volume=6 |issue=4 |pages=411–420 |doi= |issn=1939-5930}}</ref> Adolescents are discovering their individuality and struggle to balance their independence with peer conformity.<ref name="Tzavela_2013" /> During this transitional period, adolescents are therefore vulnerable to developing addictive behaviors.

Epidemiological studies reveal that recreational users differentiate from those with substance use disorders. Research suggests a correlation between individuals who initiate substance use during adolescence and developing a substance use addiction, progressing rapidly from trial to the adverse consequences of addiction. Substance usage increases in late adolescence and young adulthood, with alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco being the most widely consumed substances.<ref name="Winters_2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Winters KC, Arria A | title = Adolescent Brain Development and Drugs | journal = The Prevention Researcher | volume = 18 | issue = 2 | pages = 21–24 | date = 2011 | pmid = 22822298 | pmc = 3399589 }}</ref>

Brain maturation during adolescence is more susceptible to developing addictive behaviors as it further promotes risk-taking behaviors and subsequently early addiction decisions.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Nawi AM, Ismail R, Ibrahim F, Hassan MR, Manaf MR, Amit N, Ibrahim N, Shafurdin NS | title = Risk and protective factors of drug abuse among adolescents: a systematic review | journal = BMC Public Health | volume = 21 | issue = 1 | page = 2088 | date = November 2021 | pmid = 34774013 | pmc = 8590764 | doi = 10.1186/s12889-021-11906-2 | doi-access = free }}</ref> This has been corroborated by animal studies, revealing that biological factors may desensitize adolescents to the sedative effects of chemical substances, such as alcohol, leading to increased consumption during the teenage years,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Schramm-Sapyta NL, Walker QD, Caster JM, Levin ED, Kuhn CM | title = Are adolescents more vulnerable to drug addiction than adults? Evidence from animal models | journal = Psychopharmacology | volume = 206 | issue = 1 | pages = 1–21 | date = September 2009 | pmid = 19547960 | pmc = 3025448 | doi = 10.1007/s00213-009-1585-5 }}</ref> In fact, drug or alcohol-induced addictive behaviors in adolescents have been linked to models discussing a stronger sensitization of the appetitive response and disrupted inhibitory control.<ref name="Wiers_2007">{{cite journal | vauthors = Wiers RW, Bartholow BD, van den Wildenberg E, Thush C, Engels RC, Sher KJ, Grenard J, Ames SL, Stacy AW | title = Automatic and controlled processes and the development of addictive behaviors in adolescents: a review and a model | journal = Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior | volume = 86 | issue = 2 | pages = 263–283 | date = February 2007 | pmid = 17116324 | doi = 10.1016/j.pbb.2006.09.021 | s2cid = 18979706 }}</ref> Moreover, the susceptibility of adolescents is heightened as they tend to weigh the rewarding effects of the activity or stimulus more heavily than the negative effects, while also being less sensitive to withdrawal effects. In early adolescence, individuals lack the motivation to control appetitive motivational tendencies.<ref name="Wiers_2007" /> The presence of positive and negative reinforcers seem to increase alcohol consumption, portraying a positive correlation between motives and alcohol consumption.<ref name="Wiers_2007" /> After initiating drinking, there seems to be an increase in appetitive motivation to drink and a negative effect on controlled regulatory processes.<ref name="Wiers_2007" /> The imbalance between these factors lead to increased substance use.<ref name="Wiers_2007" /> Although there have been declines in adolescent substance use rates, trends of rising e-cigarette (vape) usage highlight the ongoing health care concern regarding adolescent substance use and its effects on neurodevelopment processes during this crucial developmental stage.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hamidullah S, Thorpe HH, Frie JA, Mccurdy RD, Khokhar JY | title = Adolescent Substance Use and the Brain: Behavioral, Cognitive and Neuroimaging Correlates | journal = Frontiers in Human Neuroscience | volume = 14 | page = 298 | date = 2020-08-04 | pmid = 32848673 | pmc = 7418456 | doi = 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00298 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

In addition to the environmental influences, there seems to be a genetic role in adolescent addictive behaviors. Addiction risk alleles can increase the risk of addictive behaviors in teens.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Blum K, Febo M, Smith DE, Roy AK, Demetrovics Z, Cronjé FJ, Femino J, Agan G, Fratantonio JL, Pandey SC, Badgaiyan RD, Gold MS | title = Neurogenetic and epigenetic correlates of adolescent predisposition to and risk for addictive behaviors as a function of prefrontal cortex dysregulation | journal = Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology | volume = 25 | issue = 4 | pages = 286–292 | date = May 2015 | pmid = 25919973 | pmc = 4442554 | doi = 10.1089/cap.2014.0146 }}</ref> Furthermore, the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for decision making and executive function, is still developing during adolescence.<ref name="Hammond_2014">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hammond CJ, Mayes LC, Potenza MN | title = Neurobiology of adolescent substance use and addictive behaviors: treatment implications | journal = Adolescent Medicine | volume = 25 | issue = 1 | pages = 15–32 | date = April 2014 | pmid = 25022184 | pmc = 4446977 }}</ref> This creates a vulnerability and the initiation of addictive behavior during this developmental stage can thus affect long-term functioning.<ref name="Hammond_2014" />

== Therapy for addictions == Therapy for addictions is not a cure, but a way of managing addictive behaviors.<ref name="nida.nih.gov">{{Cite web |title=Treatment and Recovery | work = National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) | publisher = U.S. National Institutes of Health |url= https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141019180812/http://www.nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery |archive-date= October 19, 2014 |access-date=2023-11-13 |language=en}}</ref> It is a treatment tailored to the specific triggers and root causes affecting each patient (such as trauma, stress, or anxiety),<ref name="Chabert_2015">{{cite book | vauthors = Chabert C |date=2015-03-04 | chapter = Les travaux forcés de la répétition | trans-chapter = The forced labor of rehearsal | language = fr |pages=19–40 |series=Petite bibliothèque de psychanalyse (Small library of psychoanalysis) |publisher=Presses Universitaires de France |doi=10.3917/puf.andre.2015.03.0019 |isbn=978-2-13-065345-5 }}</ref> and that "enables people to counteract addiction's disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives."<ref name="nida.nih.gov" />

Various therapeutic approaches exist to assist individuals in modifying addictive behaviors (i.e.: such as yoga therapy, which can "treat or prevent addiction").<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Khanna S, Greeson JM | title = A narrative review of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction | journal = Complementary Therapies in Medicine | volume = 21 | issue = 3 | pages = 244–252 | date = June 2013 | pmid = 23642957 | doi = 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.01.008 | pmc = 3646290 }}</ref> However, individuals seeking therapy for addictive behaviors may benefit significantly from consulting with a therapist recognized by medical institutions for their expertise in addiction or compulsion.<ref name="Chabert_2015" />

While medical interventions may be necessary for physical detoxification in certain cases, "addiction therapy or addiction counseling is focused on treating psychological addiction".<ref name="Psychology Edmonton Psychology - Firefly Counselling">{{Cite web |title=Addiction Counselling |url=https://www.fireflycounselling.ca/edmonton-addiction-and-substance-abuse-therapy |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=Psychology Edmonton Psychology - Firefly Counselling |language=en-CA}}</ref> For instance, individuals may engage in addictive behaviors to cope with "historical trauma", necessitating a therapist to use trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy to address past issues.<ref name="Psychology Edmonton Psychology - Firefly Counselling" /> Alternatively, for those using addictive behaviors to cope with current events, therapy addiction may focus on "learning stress management techniques and emotional regulation skills", including cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy.<ref name="Psychology Edmonton Psychology - Firefly Counselling" /> In other cases, when addiction is intertwined with mental health issues, therapists employ an integrated approach, addressing conditions (i.e.: depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder) alongside the addiction through procedures such as dialectical behavior therapy or hypnotherapy.<ref name="Psychology Edmonton Psychology - Firefly Counselling" />

The use of these treatments is increasing in the medical field, as "a shift is occurring to mainstream the delivery of early intervention and treatment services into general health care practice".<ref>{{Citation |title=Early Intervention, Treatment, and Management of Substance Use Disorders |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424859/ |work=Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health |date=November 2016 |access-date=2023-11-13 |publisher=US Department of Health and Human Services |language=en}}</ref>

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927122508/http://www.videojug.com/interview/behavioral-addiction-basics#what-is-behavioral-addiction VideoJug video on "What is behavioral addiction?"]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Addictive Behavior}} Behavior *