{"id":35492,"date":"2024-05-31T20:28:21","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T19:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adicciones.fsyc.org\/?page_id=35492"},"modified":"2026-10-20T13:49:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T12:49:10","slug":"behavioural-addictions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/adicciones.fsyc.org\/en\/types-of-addictions\/behavioural-addictions\/","title":{"rendered":"Behavioural addictions"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Problems associated with non-substance addictions<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Behavioural addictions<\/strong> \u2014 also known as social addictions<\/strong> or non-substance addictions<\/strong> \u2014 are disorders linked to carrying out an activity<\/strong> that, although it may be pleasurable, does not involve the use of drugs.<\/p>

What defines these addictions is a maladaptive pattern<\/strong> that causes clinically significant distress<\/strong>: it involves compulsion to engage in the behaviour<\/strong>, loss of control<\/strong>, difficulty abstaining<\/strong>, withdrawal symptoms<\/strong> when the behaviour is not carried out, and persistence<\/strong> despite awareness of its negative consequences. These features are shared with substance addiction<\/strong>, which suggests similar biochemical and psychological<\/strong> mechanisms.<\/p>

Types of behavioural addictions<\/h3>

Gambling addiction (in person or online)<\/h4>

It is the most common social addiction<\/strong> and the one that generates the most demand for treatment.<\/strong> It is characterised by an uncontrollable urge<\/strong> that increases the need to gamble, causes distress<\/strong> and seriously affects personal and family life. People often seek help after several failed attempts<\/strong> to cut down or give up gambling.
Therapeutic goal:<\/strong> extinction of the behaviour<\/strong>, working on the origin<\/strong> and the maintaining factors<\/strong> of the dependence with a gender perspective<\/strong> and a cognitive-behavioural and systemic<\/strong> approach, also addressing the psychosocial and financial impact<\/strong>.<\/p>

Addiction to new technologies \/ screens<\/h4>

Treatment seeks mindful use<\/strong> of the device through time limits<\/strong>, stimulus control<\/strong>, impulse management<\/strong> and encouraging in-person activities<\/strong>. The aim is to restore healthy use<\/strong>. Given the vulnerability<\/strong> during the transition from childhood to adolescence<\/strong>, appropriate external supervision<\/strong> is recommended. Effects such as isolation<\/strong>, irritability<\/strong>, loss of interest in other activities<\/strong> and stress<\/strong> from lack of rest or self-reflection are prevented.<\/p>

Mobile phone addiction (nomophobia)<\/h4>

Because of its everyday use<\/strong> and multiple functions, the mobile phone encourages abusive patterns<\/strong>. Dependence is defined by the inability to control<\/strong> its use, the need to be constantly available<\/strong> and the repercussions<\/strong> in several areas of life. It is particularly problematic because of the early age of onset<\/strong>, as it works as a \u201crite of passage<\/strong>\u201d into adolescence. An excess<\/strong> can cause sleep disorders<\/strong> and family conflict<\/strong>.<\/p>

Internet addiction<\/h4>

24\/7 availability<\/strong>, the low cost<\/strong>, the anonymity<\/strong> and access from several devices encourage excessive and persistent use<\/strong> that can become addictive. People affected sacrifice sleep and other activities<\/strong> and, in addition, the internet acts as an amplifier<\/strong> of other behavioural addictions (for example, gambling<\/strong> or online shopping<\/strong>).<\/p>

Video game addiction<\/h4>

Although they can enhance psychomotor skills<\/strong>, gaming can become addictive<\/strong>: loss of control<\/strong>, excessive time<\/strong>, fatigue<\/strong>, changes in routines<\/strong> and irritability<\/strong>. It is the most common behavioural addiction<\/strong> among children and adolescents<\/strong>. Some titles use intermittent reinforcement<\/strong> (similar to chance), increasing dependence<\/strong>.<\/p>

Compulsive shopping addiction (oniomania)<\/h4>

Shopping is socially accepted<\/strong>, so the problem is usually detected late<\/strong>. The addiction shows itself as a loss of control<\/strong> that relieves anxiety or distress immediately,<\/strong> but causes emotional, financial, social and family consequences<\/strong>.
First therapeutic goal:<\/strong> raising awareness<\/strong> of the problem, reducing risk factors<\/strong> and activating personal and environmental resources<\/strong> to eliminate<\/strong> unnecessary purchases linked to emotional distress<\/strong>.<\/p>

Sex addiction<\/h4>

It is characterised by impulsiveness<\/strong> and loss of control<\/strong> in sexual behaviour, with exposure to risks<\/strong> and negative consequences<\/strong>.
Treatment:<\/strong> understanding the compulsive dynamic<\/strong>, addressing anxiety<\/strong>, shame<\/strong> and guilt<\/strong>, and designing strategies<\/strong> to manage the associated psychosocial problems.<\/strong><\/p>

What do we offer?<\/h2>

Individualised assessment and plan<\/strong> carried out by psychologists who are experts in behavioural addictions<\/strong>, taking into account life stage<\/strong>, level of awareness<\/strong>, consequences<\/strong> of the behaviour, previous treatments<\/strong>, family support<\/strong> and psychosocial and financial impact<\/strong>.<\/p>

Specific programme for adolescents and young people (and their families)<\/h3>