With the term process addictions, we can understand the addictions that take place which are not associated with substances. Most commonly with this type of addiction, the person will be addicted to the behavior of a process. This type of addiction has not been labeled for very long. Only since the beginning for the 20th century have doctors and psychiatrists recognized this type of addiction as a problem. Many times, those with addictions to processes can be just as addicted and debilitated as those who are addicted to substances. When it comes to behaviors that are addictive, family and friends tend to have a difficult time trying to understand and work with the person who has the addiction. This is because for a person without an addiction to processes, the behavior should be fairly simple to stop.
Process addictions normally start slowly and the person does not believe that they are losing control of their life. Yet, this addiction is very multifaceted and many different factors of a person’s life will determine the addiction. Many times, an experience the person had as a child will determine the addiction or even a person’s social status, genetics or mental state. Also, a person may become an addicted of processes due to the high amount of gratification they receive as well. For some, having a physical reward or social reward is what causes them to become addicted and dependant on the process.
Some process addictions may be eating, working, cleaning, religion, exercise, dieting or religion. Basically, any process that causes a person’s life to be interfered with frequently can become and addiction. Normally, the addiction begins with something small and progressively gets worse. Some of the addictions can even be hurtful to family and friends and even harmful. Gambling can cause a family to become bankrupt and eating addictions can bring death.
When it comes to treating process addictions, it is important for the person who is struggling with the addiction to realize that they have a problem. Each person is different when it comes to the way that they will deal with the addiction but overall, it is good to get them therapy as well as other treatments. The most success comes from those who are ready to face the addiction and remove it from their life. As always, be sure to be considerate of a person who has an addiction to processes since they are just as addicted as someone who would be addicted to substances.