Behavioral addiction doesn’t always involve drugs or alcohol, but it can be just as damaging to a person’s life, relationships, and mental health.
These conditions, also called non-substance use disorders, happen when certain rewarding behaviors, like gambling, gaming, or shopping, become compulsive and difficult to control.
At The Raleigh House, we treat behavioral addictions with the same level of compassion and clinical expertise as substance use disorders.
Our programs combine evidence-based therapy, holistic care, and ongoing support to help clients understand the root of their behaviors and rebuild balance in all aspects of their lives.
To learn about the causes of behavioral addiction and how recovery begins, please continue reading or contact our team today.
What are non-substance use or behavioral addictions?
Behavioral addictions, also known as process addictions, involve repeatedly engaging in activities that trigger the brain’s reward system, despite harmful consequences.
These activities may provide temporary relief or pleasure but can lead to loss of control, distress, and significant interference with daily life.
Just like substance use disorders, behavior-related conditions can cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, or anxiety when a person tries to stop.
Common examples include gambling, gaming, overeating, compulsive shopping, or sexual behavior.
Common causes of behavioral addiction
Behavioral addictions often develop through a combination of psychological, biological, and social factors.
The role of trauma and stress
Unresolved trauma and chronic stress can increase vulnerability to behavioral addictions. Many people use these activities to escape painful emotions or regain a sense of control over their lives.
Connection between mental health and behavioral addictions
Conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder can contribute to addictive patterns by affecting impulse control and reward processing in the brain. Addressing both mental health and behavioral patterns is essential for long-term recovery.
Behavioral addiction symptoms and warning signs
While symptoms vary, behavioral addictions often share common warning signs, including:
- Loss of control over the activity
- Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
- Withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness or irritability
- Continuing behavior despite negative consequences
- Using the behavior to cope with emotional distress
Recognizing these signs early can help prevent long-term harm and open the door to recovery.
Gambling disorder: Common signs and symptoms
Gambling addiction is one of the most common behavioral disorders worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.2% of adults meet criteria for gambling disorder, and those who gamble at harmful levels generate about 60% of total industry losses.
Warning signs may include:
- Spending increasing amounts of time or money on gambling
- Lying to loved ones about losses
- Chasing previous wins or gambling to escape stress
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Experiencing major debt or relationship strain due to gambling
Treatment for gambling disorder at The Raleigh House includes behavioral therapy, counseling, and dual diagnosis support for any co-occurring mental health or substance use conditions.
Other non-substance addictions
Behavioral addiction can take many forms beyond gambling. At The Raleigh House, we provide treatment for a variety of compulsive behaviors, including:
Internet and social media addiction
Spending excessive time online or scrolling social media can disrupt healthy routines and relationships, often leading to isolation and emotional burnout. Treatment for internet and social media addiction helps clients rebuild balance, reduce screen dependency, and develop mindful digital habits.
Shopping and spending addiction
Shopping and spending addiction often begins as a coping mechanism for stress or sadness, but can quickly spiral into financial instability and guilt. Through therapy and behavioral counseling, clients learn to manage triggers, rebuild financial confidence, and find healthier ways to cope with emotional distress.
Internet gaming and screen addiction
Internet gaming and screen addiction can affect sleep, focus, and social interaction, often leading to withdrawal from real-life responsibilities and relationships. Treatment focuses on restoring structure, improving emotional regulation, and promoting healthier screen habits.
Sex and love addiction
Sex and love addiction involves compulsive behaviors or emotional dependency that can damage trust, relationships, and self-worth. Specialized therapy addresses the underlying causes of hypersexuality and attachment patterns to promote healthy intimacy and emotional stability.
Food addiction
Food addiction involves compulsive overeating or using food to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional pain, often leading to guilt and physical health concerns. Treatment for food addiction focuses on rebuilding a balanced relationship with eating through nutrition counseling, therapy, and emotional support.
Exercise addiction
Exercise addiction occurs when working out becomes obsessive, leading to physical strain, burnout, or interference with daily responsibilities. Treatment helps clients restore a healthy balance between fitness and recovery, promoting both physical well-being and mental stability.
Behavioral addiction treatment
Recovery from behavioral addiction focuses on restoring emotional balance, rebuilding healthy coping mechanisms, and addressing underlying psychological triggers.
Behavioral addiction therapy and counseling
Therapy helps clients identify the emotions and thought patterns that drive compulsive behavior. Individual, group, and family counseling all play a role in recovery.
CBT and DBT techniques
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance to manage cravings and impulses.
Dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders
Many clients experience both behavioral addiction and mental health challenges. Our dual diagnosis programs address both conditions simultaneously for lasting recovery.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs
Our inpatient rehab and intensive outpatient programs provide structured support for every stage of recovery.
Inpatient care provides 24-hour supervision and therapeutic immersion, while outpatient programs enable clients to maintain their daily routines while continuing therapy.
Holistic and long-term recovery approach
Healing from behavioral addiction involves more than changing habits; it’s about rebuilding overall well-being.
Nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness in recovery
Our programs incorporate nutrition counseling, physical activity, and mindfulness practices that strengthen both body and mind. These tools help clients manage stress and prevent relapse.
Family involvement and support
Family therapy fosters communication and understanding, helping rebuild trust and create a supportive recovery environment at home.
Get help at The Raleigh House in Colorado
At The Raleigh House, our multidisciplinary team provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment for all forms of addiction, including unhealthy behaviors.
We offer personalized care at two locations:
- The Ranch at The Raleigh House: Nestled in the peaceful Colorado countryside, The Ranch offers a serene space for those looking to recover from trauma, mental health conditions, and addiction. With nature-inspired therapies and a nurturing community, the ranch is an ideal place to find peace and heal.
- The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Located in the Denver Tech Center, our newest facility offers the same clinical excellence and unique healing experiences for trauma, mental health, and addiction. It’s an excellent setting as well for those individuals needing physical accessibility support in a beautiful and nurturing environment.
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to guide you toward lasting stability and recovery. Contact us today to take the first step.
Frequently asked questions about behavioral addiction
Wondering how behavioral addictions develop or what recovery looks like? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions our team at The Raleigh House hears from clients and their families.
How can I tell if I have a behavioral addiction?
If you find it difficult to control an activity, experience distress when you try to stop, or continue despite adverse consequences, you may have a behavioral addiction.
What’s the difference between a habit and a behavioral addiction?
A habit is something you can control, while an addiction persists even when it causes harm or distress. Addiction often feels compulsive and can interfere with daily life.
Can behavioral addiction be treated without medication?
Yes. Most behavioral addictions respond best to therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Medication may be used only if co-occurring mental health disorders are present.
How long does behavioral addiction treatment take?
Treatment length varies by individual and severity. Most clients see improvement within weeks, but ongoing therapy and support are encouraged for sustained recovery.
Does The Raleigh House offer outpatient programs for behavioral addiction?
Yes. Our outpatient programs allow clients to receive therapy and support while maintaining work, school, or family commitments.
Can someone recover fully from behavioral addiction?
Absolutely. With therapy, accountability, and ongoing support, many individuals achieve long-term recovery and regain control of their lives.