What are the main non-substance addictions?

Many people struggle with addiction to substances such as drugs and alcohol, but not all struggle with addictions of this type.

Some struggle with their appetite or gambling, while others may have trouble using the Internet or mobile phones. And it is this topic that we want to talk about in this article.

There are many people who suffer and who have to fight with an addiction every day, but not all suffer from it. There are two types of addictions: substance and behavioral. The first have to do with the abuse of substances such as drugs, alcohol, nicotine or caffeine. The second type involves engaging in behaviors or activities that cannot be stopped or reduced, even if they cause damage to the person's life. These are called behavioral addictions.

• Related article: "The 14 most important types of addictions"

An addiction as dangerous as the one that involves drug use: behavioral

Non-substance or behavioral addictions mean that the person suffers from dependence on an object or behavior, not on something palpable such as, for example, drugs.

Non-substance addictions have a higher risk of relapse, as they use addictive behavior to cope with some aspect of their life. These addictions often develop in response to trauma, stress, loneliness, or other difficult times in a person's life. Some examples may be work, or internet addiction.

For an addiction to exist, it is not necessary that there be a physical element that can be consumed. Sometimes it is simply a behavior that causes us to fall due to a biological imbalance

Just as someone can become addicted to a substance, someone can also become addicted to a behavior. For example, gambling is a behavior that can be addictive without the addition of any physical elements.. This is because the brain becomes unbalanced due to the release of dopamine when playing games.

• You may be interested in: "Relapse into addiction can be prevented"

The most common non-substance addictions today

We have already talked, in this same medium, about how the brain acts when an addiction is developing. In this process, brain structures and neurotransmitters, and for that reason, we must be aware of possible red flags.

For us, what is relevant in this article is to tell you, so that you have this important information, what are the main addictions without substance. This does not mean that there is no more, since any behavior you can imagine can be susceptible to becoming an addiction.

For this reason it is very important that we are prepared to have a correct understanding of how they work, but also of how their prognosis and evolution are.

In this way, the most common behavioral or non-substance addictions today are the following.

1. Gambling addiction or gambling

Gambling is a really addictive and destructive problem that affects many people. One of the main reasons for this is the way that gambling addiction affects the brain.

A gambling addict you may feel intense excitement or pleasure when you are gambling, but then feel the same amount of despair, disappointment, and frustration when you lose your bets. The addict cannot control the urge, even if he does not want to.

It is a very serious disorder that has significant personal and family consequences. It can affect people's ability to function in society, and it can also greatly affect their financial situation.

• Related article: "Pathological gambling: causes and symptoms of gambling addiction"

2. Work addiction

Work addiction is a modern phenomenon. It occurs when a person cannot stop working even if he wants to and even if it is not a formal imposition of the organizational or work context of him.

There are many reasons for this addiction, but one of the main reasons is that people have been educated from childhood to work hard, they need to work from home because of personal or family problems, and people think that society will not appreciate them if they do not make. What's more, they believe that they are not doing their job well.

Work addiction can be very harmful, causing depression and anxiety in some cases. It can also lead to burnout and poor performance at work, which could lead to dismissal.

When a person spends too much time at work and stops worrying about other things, he can develop a limiting disorder that must be approached with special care.

There are many professions that take a lot of time and dedication to succeed, but in most cases it is possible to balance work and personal life and maintain a healthy balance.

• You may be interested in: "Work stress: causes, and how to combat it"

3. Sex addiction

Sex is a basic need of every person. Nevertheless, if it is maintained through obsessive behavior or is abused, this can become a very serious problem and must be treated. It can affect personal relationships, and really all areas of the addict's life.

It is important to note that many sex addicts make use of pornography, something that can be very harmful to themselves by not actually meeting their expectations.