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Understanding Behavioral vs. Substance Addictions: What You Need to Know.

andradudgeon

Addiction affects millions of people across the world. It is often caused by a dysfunction in the brain and is often caused by genetic or environmental factors. Addiction is characterized by an overwhelming need to engage in a particular behavior or consume a substance, despite the harmful consequences it may cause. Although many individuals associate addiction with drugs, and alcohol, there are actually two main types of addiction: substance addiction and behavioral addiction. Both forms of addiction have their own set of challenges, and treatment approaches.  

 

Substance Addiction 

Substance addiction involves the dependency to a specific substance, such as drugs, alcohol, or nicotine. Repeatedly using these substances can lead to changes in the structure of the brain’s reward system. This, overtime, will create a physical and psychological dependency to a substance.  


Types of Substance Addictions: 

  • Alcohol 

  • Tobacco 

  • Opioids 

  • Prescription drugs 

  • Cocaine 

  • Marijuana 

  • Amphetamines 

  • Hallucinogens 

  • Inhalants 

  • PCP 

 

How Does Substance Addiction Work? 

Substance addiction can occur when an individual's dopamine system is damaged. Dopamine is the brains “feel good” neurotransmitter that is released when we experience pleasure. Drugs, alcohol, and nicotine flood the brain with dopamine, which leads to feelings of satisfaction and euphoria. A person who abuses these substances will, over time, need more of that substance to get dopamine and feel it's great effects.  

 

Signs and Symptoms 

  • Increased tolerance to the substance 

  • Failed attempts to quit or cut down usage 

  • Continued use despite harmful consequences 

  • Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and irritability 

  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed 

 

Substance Addiction Treatment: 

Treating a substance addiction requires a multi-faceted approach that will be different for everyone. Treatment often begins by detoxifying, then is often followed by medication-assisted treatment, therapy, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Behavioral therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are commonly used to help individuals manage their cravings and avoid triggers that might lead to a relapse.  

 

Behavioral Addiction  

Behavioral addiction does not involve a physical substance but rather a compulsion to engage in specific behaviors. Like drugs, these behaviors activate the brain's reward system, giving an individual a rush of pleasure.  

 

Types of Behavioral Addictions: 

  • Gambling addiction 

  • Sex addiction 

  • Pornography addiction 

  • Food addiction 

  • Exercise addiction 

  • Work addiction 

  • Self-harm addiction 

  • Shopping addiction 

  • Video game addiction 

 

How Does Behavioral Addiction Work? 

Similar to a substance addiction, behavioral addiction involves the brain’s reward system. Engaging in certain activities like gambling, sex, or shopping can trigger the release of dopamine, reinforcing the behavior. Over time, an individual can become dependent on the behavior to feel happy. Behavioral addiction can also lead to withdrawal symptoms, like irritability, anxiety, or depression when an individual is unable to engage in the behavior.  

 

Signs and Symptoms: 

  • Inability to stop the behavior despite knowing the harm it causes 

  • Neglecting personal, professional, or academic responsibilities  

  • Experiencing a sense of euphoria or relief while engaging in the behavior  

  • Increased risk-taking or dangerous behavior to achieve the same “high”  

  • Withdrawal symptoms when the behavior is restricted 

 

Behavioral Addiction Treatment:  

Behavioral addiction mainly focuses on using therapy techniques like CBT, support groups, medication, and individual therapy. CBT is a behavioral therapy treatment that helps a person find and change problematic behaviors and thought patterns that have a detrimental influence on one’s behavioral problems. Support groups also exist in person and online. Many individuals with behavioral addiction might have a psychological disorder since the two can often co-occur. Lastly, many individuals struggling with behavioral addiction would truly receive help from individual therapy to help guide them through their recovery.  

 

Though both substance addiction and behavioral addiction differ in terms of what the person is addicted to, they both alter the brain’s reward system, making it difficult to stop alone. Whatever you are addicted to, asking for help and seeking treatment is the first step to recovery.  

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact us at www.georgetowncouplestherapy.com or 416 949 9878 to work with one of our addictions therapists. There is hope to overcoming addiction.

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Healing Relationships

 

Couples Therapy Centre offers in person counselling to couples, individuals, families and teens in Georgetown and the Halton Hills area — including Milton, Oakville, Acton, Brampton, Mississauga, Burlington, and surrounding areas.
     Couples Therapy Centre also offers psychotherapy services online throughout the province of Ontario.
www.georgetowncouplestherapy.com / 416 949 9878
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