Clinically Reviewed on by Dr Alexander Lapa (Psychiatrist) All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Across the world, addictions are commonly associated with substances such as drugs and alcohol. However, it is possible to become addicted to a specific behaviour alongside the abuse of drugs and alcohol, such as gambling.
Just as substance addictions see many struggle to control their substance use, addictive behaviours and behavioural addictions cause those suffering to feel compelled to participate in certain behaviours on a recurring basis, irrespective of the consequence of doing so.
When an individual repeatedly participates in unhealthy behaviour and finds that their every waking moment is consumed by said behaviour, dual diagnosis treatment must be secured to treat both the substance and behaviour problem.
Behavioural addictions, or impulse control disorders as they are otherwise known, are psychological conditions that see those affected feel an uncontrollable urge to carry out an action, or participate in a behaviour, regardless of the impact that doing so may have.
Although a number of behavioural addictions are yet to be diagnosed and recognised by medical professionals, here at Asana Lodge, we provide dual diagnosis treatment if the behaviour is being fuelled by a drug or alcohol addiction.
Although not everyone who participates in behaviours such as gambling will develop a drug addiction, some behaviours can create dual addictions if they lead to unhealthy relationships with substances and significantly damage an individual’s physical and psychological health.
Certain behaviours can also be regarded as addictions if successful completion of activities associated with them can feed the brain’s reward system and offer a sense of euphoria and pleasure.
Understanding the feelings that come hand-in-hand with certain behaviours and drug addictions, many people repeatedly carry out a certain behaviour. Eventually, behaviours and impulses become uncontrollable and can lead to the development of a behavioural and drug addiction.
When treatment for behavioural and drug addictions are administered, one of the main aims is to uncover the root cause of addiction. For many, this can be difficult, yet it is crucial if addiction is to be overcome.
While various factors contribute to behavioural addictions, drug addictions, mental health disorders, trauma, bereavement and stress are frequently noted as contributing factors.
Genetics, peer pressure, social influences and financial difficulty can also increase the likelihood that an individual will become addicted to a behaviour or drugs.
Behavioural addictions significantly impair an individual’s physical and psychological health. They also drastically alter the way an individual acts and behaves and can lead to drug addiction.
However, several common signs, symptoms, and visible behaviours will ultimately determine how a behavioural addiction hinders an individual’s life. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
When a behavioural and drug addiction is present, it is not uncommon for the individual struggling to also suffer from mental health disorders, insomnia and paranoia.
There are many treatments available to treat drug and alcohol addictions, and dual diagnosis treatments are available for those with behavioural and drug addictions.
Here at Asana Lodge, our dual diagnosis treatment focuses on healing the body and the mind from the pessimistic ramifications that addictions have.
When an individual enters our residential rehab for behavioural addiction treatment, we administer treatments including detoxification, rehabilitation, psychological therapy, well-being therapy and holistic therapy.
These treatments not only help those struggling with dual addictions to understand their complex addiction in greater detail, but they ensure that coping strategies can be developed by supporting those in recovery as they identify the causes of their addiction.
While the therapies we administer often depend upon our clients’ personal addiction and recovery needs, cognitive behavioural therapy remains highly successful in treating behavioural addictions. This particular therapy encourages those struggling with a dual addiction to reflect on their past and change how they think and behave.
We also welcome all of our clients to take advantage of treatments such as Satori Chair Therapy.
As behavioural addictions often arise from underlying mental health disorders, abuse, trauma and bereavement, it is not uncommon for dual diagnosis treatment to be administered when behavioural addiction treatment is required.
Dual diagnosis treatment simultaneously provides treatment for addictions and mental health disorders to ensure that both can be alleviated.
Get In Touch
Asana Lodge is a leading UK based expert in Private Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment. Find out how we can help by getting in touch with our friendly team today.
If you are concerned that a drug and behavioural addiction is hindering the quality of your life, you must secure dual diagnosis treatment as soon as possible. By contacting us today, we can help you turn your life around.
Should you be worried that a family member, friend or employee is struggling with an addiction, contact us to discuss our referral options and how you can help an individual.
Addictive behaviours are behaviours that provide pleasurable sensations when they are participated in. As defined by the World Health Organisation, addictive behaviours, such as gambling, develop into disorders as addictive behaviours are commonly associated with functional impairment and distress.
The main difference between behavioural addictions and substance addictions is that drug addictions and alcohol addictions see an individual consume drugs or alcohol. Meanwhile, behavioural addictions see individuals participate in a certain behaviour, such as watching porn, gambling or exercising
At Asana Lodge, we diagnose behavioural addictions by conducting a thorough clinical assessment. When an individual enters our rehab for behavioural addiction treatment, our clinical assessment evaluates their psychological health and wellbeing, encourages them to discuss the behaviours they participate in and identifies the symptoms experienced. Combined, this information ensures that a diagnosis can be made before treatment is administered.
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