Process addictions are concerned with compulsive personal behaviors that one continues despites negative consequences. An individual cannot stop or cut down similar to substance abuse addictions. But it’s all the same… stimulating the feel good neurotransmitters of dopamine and serotonin mainly. One gets an emotional high or relief. These addictions may be food, gambling, sex, pornography, internet, social media, video games, shopping….its very impulsive….one thinks briefly and acts quickly…no pause..in this therapy we try to create the pause. In substance abuse addictions one can stop putting something in the mouth….and as such we see progress easily. But the solution ultimately is the same…what is going on deep inside…where is the pain and discontent? When does it occur? And like all addictions it takes surrender and connections.
Very often process addictions start as “bad habits” or harmless but become as destructive as substance abuse addictions. Like substance abuse addictions stopping these process addictions comes with withdrawal. Understand that when starting out these behaviors may be seen as healthy, fun and normal….but then BOOM!!!
One try’s to stop and does for a bit…then it creeps back in…and then one tries again and again and again…and usually someone that loves them is ready to end the relationship. It’s tough for sure…but it can be done…and one learns a lot about life and themselves….