Problems associated with non-substance addictions
Behavioural addictions — also known as social addictions or non-substance addictions — are disorders linked to carrying out an activity that, although it may be pleasurable, does not involve the use of drugs.
What defines these addictions is a maladaptive pattern that causes clinically significant distress: it involves compulsion to engage in the behaviour, loss of control, difficulty abstaining, withdrawal symptoms when the behaviour is not carried out, and persistence despite awareness of its negative consequences. These features are shared with substance addiction, which suggests similar biochemical and psychological mechanisms.
Types of behavioural addictions
Gambling addiction (in person or online)
It is the most common social addiction and the one that generates the most demand for treatment. It is characterised by an uncontrollable urge that increases the need to gamble, causes distress and seriously affects personal and family life. People often seek help after several failed attempts to cut down or give up gambling.
Therapeutic goal: extinction of the behaviour, working on the origin and the maintaining factors of the dependence with a gender perspective and a cognitive-behavioural and systemic approach, also addressing the psychosocial and financial impact.
Addiction to new technologies / screens
Treatment seeks mindful use of the device through time limits, stimulus control, impulse management and encouraging in-person activities. The aim is to restore healthy use. Given the vulnerability during the transition from childhood to adolescence, appropriate external supervision is recommended. Effects such as isolation, irritability, loss of interest in other activities and stress from lack of rest or self-reflection are prevented.
Mobile phone addiction (nomophobia)
Because of its everyday use and multiple functions, the mobile phone encourages abusive patterns. Dependence is defined by the inability to control its use, the need to be constantly available and the repercussions in several areas of life. It is particularly problematic because of the early age of onset, as it works as a “rite of passage” into adolescence. An excess can cause sleep disorders and family conflict.
Internet addiction
24/7 availability, the low cost, the anonymity and access from several devices encourage excessive and persistent use that can become addictive. People affected sacrifice sleep and other activities and, in addition, the internet acts as an amplifier of other behavioural addictions (for example, gambling or online shopping).
Video game addiction
Although they can enhance psychomotor skills, gaming can become addictive: loss of control, excessive time, fatigue, changes in routines and irritability. It is the most common behavioural addiction among children and adolescents. Some titles use intermittent reinforcement (similar to chance), increasing dependence.
Compulsive shopping addiction (oniomania)
Shopping is socially accepted, so the problem is usually detected late. The addiction shows itself as a loss of control that relieves anxiety or distress immediately, but causes emotional, financial, social and family consequences.
First therapeutic goal: raising awareness of the problem, reducing risk factors and activating personal and environmental resources to eliminate unnecessary purchases linked to emotional distress.
Sex addiction
It is characterised by impulsiveness and loss of control in sexual behaviour, with exposure to risks and negative consequences.
Treatment: understanding the compulsive dynamic, addressing anxiety, shame and guilt, and designing strategies to manage the associated psychosocial problems.
What do we offer?
Individualised assessment and plan carried out by psychologists who are experts in behavioural addictions, taking into account life stage, level of awareness, consequences of the behaviour, previous treatments, family support and psychosocial and financial impact.
Specific programme for adolescents and young people (and their families)
Detection and prevention of addictive behaviours linked to new technologies.
Consultation and guidance service for the healthy use of technology.
Intervention proposals
Family counselling
Psychoeducational family intervention
Individual and family psychotherapy
Medical and psychiatric care, when needed
Management of co-occurring conditions: substance addictions, anxiety, depression, conduct disorders, etc.
Treatment programme for adults
First guidance and information interview. We draw up the clinical history to assess the history of the addictive behaviour, personal and family background, social and family situation, organic conditions and other disorders. During this visit we explain the therapeutic options, our care network and decide on outpatient or residential treatment.
If treatment is outpatient:
Individual psychotherapy with a specialist in behavioural addictions.
Psychiatric care and, where appropriate, medication to modulate impulsivity.
Family therapy.
Group psychotherapy.
If treatment is residential:
Referral to our therapeutic centres Riera Major or Can Coll, which specialise in addictions with and without substances.