We often find that when people think about addiction, substances like alcohol or drugs immediately come to mind. While these types of addictions are common, they aren’t always connected to things we consume, sometimes it’s linked to what you do. Behavioural addictions are increasingly being acknowledged as a real and growing challenge in everyday life, affecting how people think, feel, and function.
Whether it’s gambling, gaming, shopping, work or social media, people’s behaviours can transform from harmless habits into patterns that feel out of control. A challenge is that because they are often part of everyday life, they can be harder to recognise, both in ourselves and the people we care about.
What are behavioural addictions?
Behavioural addictions involve repeated engagement in activities that provide short-term reward or relief, even if there are negative consequences over time. Unlike substance use, there are no chemicals being taken, but the brain responds in similar ways. Certain behaviours activate the brain’s reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which reinforce the habit over time.
Some common examples of behavioural addictions include:
- Gambling
- Gaming
- Social media use
- Shopping or spending
- Work or productivity-driven behaviours
These behaviours most probably started as a way to relax, escape, or cope, but they have become something that feels necessary just to get through the day.
Learn more about what behavioural addictions do to your brain.
Where do behavioural addictions come from?
When it comes to behavioural addictions, the brain’s need for reward or relief is central. That’s why activities that provide a quick sense of pleasure, distraction, or control can become especially appealing during times of stress, anxiety, or overwhelm.
Some people use these behaviours to:
- Avoid uncomfortable emotions
- Manage stress or anxiety
- Fill a sense of emptiness or boredom
- Regain a sense of control
Of course, these behaviours feel good in the short term, but they often have long-term consequences, including stress, guilt, financial strain, or relationship problems.
Knowing when a behaviour is becoming an addiction
Lots of these behaviours are accepted in society, even encouraged. That’s why it’s not always obvious if there’s an issue. However, there are a few common signs that indicate there could be a problem, including:
- Feeling unable to stop or reduce the behaviour, even when you want to
- Spending more time on the behaviour than you wanted
- Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or self-care
- Feeling irritable, anxious, or low when you try to stop
- Using the behaviour as a primary way to cope
The impact of behavioural addictions on daily life
Behavioural addictions affect your well-being. While at first they may seem less serious than substance use, the emotional and psychological effects can be extremely challenging. Individuals with behavioural addictions can experience increased anxiety or low mood, interrupted sleep, poor concentration, reduced motivation and strained personal or professional relationships.
It’s also important to recognise that some individuals can experience a cycle of temporary relief followed by guilt or frustration, which reinforces the behaviour and makes it harder to stop.
How to stop the cycle
Like many addictions, the first and most important step is to recognise there’s a problem. After this initial recognition, small and consistent changes can help reduce or stop the behaviour over time. To overcome behavioural addictions, you can:
Build awareness: Notice the triggers – when and why the behaviour occurs
Create boundaries: Set limits around the behaviour in terms of time and access
Develop alternative coping strategies: Things like exercise, mindfulness or other creative outlets can help you cope
Seek support: Talk to someone or attend a rehab for behavioural addictions at The Bardo
When to seek support?
If you feel like you can’t manage the behavioural addiction alone, or it’s starting to affect your quality of life, professional behavioural addiction support can help you understand the underlying drivers of the behaviour, develop healthier coping strategies and build structure and accountability. Professional help can also reduce the risk of ongoing patterns and relapse.
Help for behavioural addictions at The Bardo
At The Bardo, we look at behavioural addictions holistically. We know to identify what’s going on in the background, beyond the behaviour itself, to understand the full picture. We always aim to help sustain meaningful change.
Addiction is different for everyone. Sometimes, hiding underneath everyday habits, a behaviour slowly becomes something harder to control.
Thankfully, change is possible, and if you need support, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At The Bardo, we’re here to help you overcome behavioural addiction and move on with your life with more control and a sense of purpose. Contact The Bardo for more information and to explore what role we can play in your recovery.
