Process Addictions

Interestingly enough, not all addictions involve drugs or alcohol. Some addictions involve behaviors. Process addictions center around behaviors like gambling, gaming, shopping, or non-stop internet use that begin to take control of a person’s daily life. These behaviors usually start as a way to cope with or escape from hard situations - but over time, they can create the same patterns of loss of control and emotional pain that substance addictions do. 

Process addictions can be harder to recognize than substance addictions, because the behaviors themselves may seem “normal” or socially accepted. Still, the emotional and practical impact can be just as real. Understanding what process addictions are all about can help people recognize when a behavior is no longer serving them in a healthy way. 

If you’re worried about a process addiction in yourself or a loved one, we’re here to offer resources and support - whenever you’re ready.