Behavioral Addiction vs. Substance Addiction

Addiction is a common issue in the current world and can affect the lives of all people. Addiction is not just restricted to alcohol, drugs, and smoking, which are apparent addictions, but it can also be noticed in behaviour.
Although behavioural addiction does not pose an immediate threat, it can be as crippling as substance addiction. The majority of people do not take behavioural addiction seriously. In some cases, behavioural addiction can even develop into substance addiction, making it necessary to seek treatment for both behavioural addiction and substance addiction so that you can prevent their progression.
In this blog, we want to explore the different types of behavioural and substance addiction, the differences between these two types of addiction, how to treat them, and how to help patients with behavioural and substance addiction.
Suppose you are looking for a professional Treatment Program that can help you with both behavioural and substance addiction. In that case, Pacific Interventions is here to provide specialized, customized services.

The Differences Between Behavioural Addiction vs. Substance Addiction

Behavioural addiction and substance addiction are different but associated in the field of addictive behaviours.

Substance addiction includes the uncontrollable consumption of substances, such as drugs or alcohol, resulting in physical and psychological addiction. The addictive substance directly impacts the brain’s chemistry, leading to a physical need for consistent use.

On the other hand, behavioural addiction (process addiction) is an uncontrollable involvement in specific activities or behaviours like gambling, gaming, or shopping, despite harmful consequences.

Both types of addiction are similar in some ways, such as lack of control and harmful effects on life. However, behavioural addiction doesn’t include using external substances. Instead, it focuses on repeating specific behaviours that stimulate the brain’s reward system. Both addictions can have harmful effects on a person’s body and mind, so they need particular help and treatment options.

Different Types of Behavioral Addiction

Different Types of Behavioural Addiction. Different types of behavioural addictions have specific features and characteristics. The most important types of behavioural addiction include:

Gambling Addiction: People who are addicted to gambling experience a compulsive urge to gamble, resulting in negative consequences like financial loss and legal issues.
Shopping Addiction: Compulsive buyers have an uncontrollable thirst for shopping, usually leading to financial problems, emotional distress, and the accumulation of unused or unnecessary items.
Food Addiction: People with food addiction consume vast amounts of fast food, leading to unhappiness, embarrassment, and physical pain.
Work Addiction: Workaholism is a compulsive concentration on work that can be detrimental to one’s personal life. This can lead to burnout and insufficient attention to one’s physical and mental well-being.
Sexual Addiction: People who are addicted to sex become involved in ongoing and increasing sexual behaviour. This behaviour can lead to problems in relationships, legal issues, and reduced overall happiness.
Technology Addiction: Technology addiction includes a broader range of digital devices and platforms. Excessive dependence on smartphones, tablets, or other digital tools can affect mental well-being.

Types of Opioid Addiction

Substance addiction encompasses a wide range of reliance on different types of drugs, including:

Alcohol Addiction: People with alcohol addiction lose control over drinking despite adverse consequences. It can result in serious health issues, social problems, and weakened daily functioning.
Cocaine Addiction: Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that can result in addiction with continued use. It impacts the central nervous system and can lead to different physical and mental health issues.
Marijuana Addiction: While marijuana is usually regarded as less addictive than some other drugs, reliance and addiction can still happen, especially with heavy and continued use.
Nicotine Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive. Smoking and tobacco use can result in several health issues, like respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Identifying Addictive Behavior

Some signs can help us recognize addictive behaviour, including:

Shift in Priorities: One of the main signs of addictive behaviour is a visible change in priorities. Hobbies, relationships, and work lose their importance as the person becomes more concentrated on getting and using the drug.
Social Isolation: Addicts usually take distance from friends and family, preferring isolation or connecting only with those who have similar habits. This solitude is a defence mechanism to stay away from judgment and keep the addiction in secrecy.
Financial problems: Addiction is a costly habit. If someone is addicted, they may have financial issues from wasting too much on their desired substance or behaviour. This can result in borrowing money, selling possessions, or even doing illegal activities to provide money for their addiction.

The Practical Tips to Help a Patient with Addiction

To help a patient who is dealing with addiction, some tips and strategies can be practical, including:

Building Trust and Open Communication: Establishing a trusting relationship with the patient is crucial. Emphasize open communication without judgment so that they can share their problems and concerns. This foundation of trust is essential for leading them to seek help.
Assessment and Referral: As healthcare providers and counsellors, you must perform a thorough analysis of the person’s addiction. Once recognized, move them toward appropriate treatment options, such as inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment programs.
Collaborative Approach: Addiction is a complex issue that often requires a collaborative approach. Cooperate with other healthcare providers, therapists, and support teams to provide thorough care that aligns with the individual’s needs.

Addiction Treatment Programs

There are different treatment programs for behavioural addiction and substance abuse offered by Pacific Interventions that deal with addiction and pave the way to recovery. At Pacific Interventions, counsellors and staff use a curriculum that blends evidence-based treatment modalities with other proven methods to help patients.

Conclusion: Behavioural addiction and substance abuse are different but similar in some ways. There are various types of behavioural and substance addictions. Some signs can help you recognize individuals who are addicted. By using some practical tips and strategies, you can help people with addiction get rid of this destructive problem.

FAQs

What is the difference between behavioural addiction and substance addiction?

Behavioural addiction includes compulsive involvement in a specific behaviour, like gambling or gaming, while substance addiction is the uncontrollable use of substances, such as drugs or alcohol.

How do behavioural addiction and substance addiction affect a person’s life?

Both behavioural addiction and substance abuse can result in adverse consequences in a person’s life, like financial problems, relationship difficulties, and health issues.