Addiction is cunning, baffling, and powerful – for so many reasons. But one of the sneakiest ways that addiction can take over your life is by taking a form that you might not suspect.
Compulsive drug and alcohol abuse is easy to spot as a problem. But what do you do when you feel trapped by patterns of behavior that don’t involve chemical substances?
Things like compulsive gambling, overeating, shopping, or over-exercising, are known as behavioral or process addictions.
In many ways, they are similar to drug and alcohol abuse. People with process addictions feel a compulsive need to engage in certain behaviors even when it starts to have a negative effect on their lives.
They can experience the vicious cycle of elation followed by shame and guilt. They often feel that although this behavior is affecting their life and relationships, it seems impossible to stop.
Some people move through several process addictions, and some have just one. Some people in recovery find that after quitting drugs and alcohol, their addiction moves to another area. They might even find they’re a “double winner.”
Luckily, freedom from process addictions is possible. Over the years, many 12 Step fellowships like Gamblers Anonymous or Overeaters Anonymous have developed to help people find relief from behavioral addictions.
The talented team at Clean Path Behavioral Health can help you uncover and heal your process addictions. Contact us today to learn more.