Drugs and alcohol addictions are widely recognized. However, process addictions can be equally detrimental. Behavioral addictions, also known as process addictions, refer to repetitive actions or behaviors that a person engages in to seek momentary relief or satisfaction.
Process addictions often include activities such as gambling, shopping, playing video games, exercise, or sex, but can extend to any activity that becomes compulsive or obsessive. A process addiction treatment program utilizes many of the same methods to treat substance use disorders but also focuses on the underlying behavioral issues.
Virtue Recovery Houston understands the complexity of process addictions. Our process addiction treatment program combines behavioral therapy and counseling services to address the underlying issues related to process addiction. If you’re experiencing signs of a process addiction, call us today at 866.457.4811. Our substance abuse treatment programs can help you transform your life.
What Are Process Addictions?
Process addictions are more than just engaging in an enjoyable activity. Instead, the behavior is used to cope with life’s struggles and complex emotions in an unhealthy way. Similar to substance use disorders, process addictions are often associated with underlying trauma or mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Engaging in activities that involve risk or reward, like gambling, triggers dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is a chemical that is associated with both pleasure and motivation. The dopamine rush associated with these behaviors can be so strong that it becomes necessary to continue the behavior to feel the same level of satisfaction.
Process addictions can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Internet or online activities
- Excessive exercise
- Gambling
- Shopping
- Video games
- Sex or porn addiction
These activities may not be unhealthy, but if it becomes hard to control them or they start to dominate your life, seeking treatment for process addiction is essential.
Benefits of Our Process Addiction Treatment in Houston, TX
Process addictions can be challenging to identify process addictions. Because you enjoy shopping or playing video games to unwind after work doesn’t necessarily mean you are addicted. However, if you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, it may be time to consider process addiction treatment:
- Having intense cravings or thoughts about engaging in the activity
- Neglecting responsibilities or losing interest in other activities because of the addiction
- Engaging in the activities more often or for longer periods of time than intended
- Feeling the need to engage in more intense activities to experience the same level of pleasure, such as betting higher amounts or purchasing more expensive items
- The activities are causing financial, physical, and emotional problems in your life
- Feeling irritated when you can’t engage in the activities
There is hope if you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms. Our process addiction treatment program in Houston is designed to help you develop the skills and strategies to overcome your behavioral addiction struggles.
How Our Process Addiction Treatment Program Helps Our Clients
The team at Virtue Recovery Houston takes a comprehensive approach to process addiction treatment. Behavioral therapy is a foundational part of the addiction treatment process. It’s used to help identify and comprehend the underlying reasons behind the behavior and learn how to substitute healthy behaviors in place of the addiction.
We also offer counseling services to manage any underlying mental health concerns that may be a factor in your process addiction. Our program aims to improve your understanding of behavior and teach you healthier coping skills. While the recovery process can be complex, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Virtue Recovery Houston to Learn More About Our Process Addiction Services
Our process addiction treatment program can help you take the necessary steps toward achieving a healthier lifestyle and greater overall well-being. Our center’s process addiction services can help you reclaim your life. If you are ready to start the journey to recovery, call us at 866.457.4811 or contact our team online.