Yet, it’s also possible to develop a behavioral addiction.

People can get hooked on everything from gambling to sex to the internet.

Butgambling disorderis the only officially recognized behavioral addiction.

Losing a game

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They may also suffer major losses such asmoney problemsor relationship problems.

What had at one time seemed exciting and fulfilling becomes an embarrassing burden.

Some activities are so normal that it’s hard to believe people can become addicted to them.

Yet the cycle of addiction can still take over, making everyday life a constant struggle.

People may seek out more and more opportunities to engage in the behavior.

We get how hard and distressing a behavioral addiction can be.

What Are the Symptoms of Behavioral Addiction?

Red flags include:

What Are the Most Common Forms of Behavioral Addictions?

So, How Is Behavioral Addiction Treated?

Treatment may include:

How Do I Cope?

Understanding thestages of changecan help us to be gentler on ourselves if we aren’t ready to seek help.

What This Means For You

Self-help can be an important first step.

Consider finding out more about the behavior and some of the ways you’re able to manage it.

Your provider is waiting for you when you are ready to take the next step.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Robbins TW, Clark L.Behavioral addictions.Curr Opin Neurobiol.

2012;3(4):290294.

Yau YH, Potenza MN.Gambling disorder and other behavioral addictions: Recognition and treatment.Harv Rev Psychiatry.

2015;23(2):134146. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000051