Addictions Counseling--
Behavioral Addictions   

[Substance Abuse & Dependence]

Behaviors that are repetitive and problematic are clinically known as Impulse-Control Disorders. These behaviors cover a rather wide range of behaviors and are not caused by the use of psychoactive substances. Individuals who are affected by these behaviors may experience the same feelings of helplessness, guilt and remorse experienced by addicted drug users. In these instances, however, it is the behavior that is addicting in and of itself, rather than requiring an external agent (e.g. alcohol) to bring about a manifestation of the problem. These problem behaviors are usually easy to identify but can be difficult to eliminate. Most people are familiar with these disorders and many have had some kind of personal experience with which they can relate. Quite often hypnosis has been found to be an effective treatment in attending to these disorders.  Some examples are:

• Anger Addiction – episodes of anger (often extreme) that result in problems for the individual experiencing the anger and others affected by it

• Recurrent Stealing – clinically known as kleptomania.

• Fire Setting Behavior – clinically known as Pyromania

• Gambling Addiction

• Shopping Addiction – compulsive buying and spending.

• Skin Picking or Hair Pulling – scratching and digging at one’s own skin compulsively. This can result in causing scratches and welts on the skin or pulling out one’s own hair, eyebrows, etc.

• Computer or Internet Addiction – affecting those who feel compelled to spend too much time on computer, internet, chat rooms etc. thereby affecting their relationships, missing work, getting insufficient sleep, etc.

• Telephone Addiction – spending hours on the phone and at times running up large long distance bills without the means of payment. This may also involve a compulsion to call recreational phone services for such things as psychic predictions or sex talk.

There are a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches that are beneficial to individuals experiencing these problems. As with alcohol and drug addiction, community support groups are a very positive adjunct to professional counseling. 

Steven L. Neff has over 20 years' experience offering counseling in the field of addictions and mental health. [View qualifications]  

Note:  Behaviors popularly referred to as "Sex Addictions" are not appropriately listed with the above as they require different treatment modalities and should be assessed by a psychiatrist (M.D.) specializing in this area.