What We Treat
Process Addictions
We offer high-quality treatment options using evidence-based techniques that can resolve your symptoms and restore your quality of life.
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What are Process Addictions
Process addictions, also known as behavioral addictions or non-substance addictions, refer to compulsive behaviors that a person engages in despite negative consequences. Unlike substance addictions, which involve physical dependence on a substance, process addictions center around repetitive behaviors that provide a temporary sense of pleasure or relief.
These behaviors involve the reward circuitry of the brain the same way substance use disorders do. Ultimately, they lead to negative impacts on various aspects of life.
Common types of process addictions include:
- Gambling Addiction: Compulsive gambling despite adverse consequences, such as financial losses and strained relationships.
- Internet and Gaming Addiction: Obsessive use of the internet, video games, or social media, often resulting in neglect of responsibilities, social isolation, and physical health problems.
- Sexual Addiction: Compulsive sexual behavior that interferes with daily life and relationships, often involving risky behaviors and legal consequences.
- Shopping Addiction: Compulsive shopping or spending money excessively, leading to financial difficulties and emotional distress.
- Exercise Addiction: Excessive exercise that negatively impacts physical health, relationships, and overall well-being.
- Food Addiction: Compulsive overeating or binge eating, often resulting in obesity, health problems, and emotional distress.
As noted earlier, process addictions involve the reward circuitry of the brain in a similar manner to substance use disorders, which plays a crucial role in reinforcing behaviors that are pleasurable or rewarding. When individuals engage in activities associated with process addictions this system releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. Over time, repeated engagement in these behaviors can lead to changes in the brain’s reward system, similar to what occurs with substance use disorders. This can result in tolerance, which means that individuals may need more of the behavior to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
They can also result in withdrawal symptoms when individuals are unable to engage in the desired behavior. These neurobiological mechanisms contribute to the compulsive nature of process addictions, despite the negative consequences they may bring to the individual’s life. Treatment for process addictions often involves psychological support and intensive therapy that targets the underlying psychological factors, helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies and focuses on rebuilding relationships affected by the addiction.
Understanding the neurobiology of process addictions can aid in developing effective interventions and support strategies for individuals struggling with these disorders.
Depression Q&A
What is depression?
Major depressive disorder (depression) is a mental health condition that causes overwhelming feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness. These types of feelings are normal emotions that occur after negative experiences or arise out of the blue from time to time.
However, when depression becomes persistent and interferes with your ability to enjoy activities, relate to others, or function in your daily life, it can diminish your quality of life and negatively affect your work, personal relationships, and physical health.
What causes depression?
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, socioeconomic background, or ethnicity. However, depression is more likely to occur in women than in men. An estimated 16.6% of adults in the United States experience a depressive episode at some point in their lives.
The exact cause of depression isn’t known, but researchers believe genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and other factors contribute to the condition. Experiencing poverty, neglect, or abuse can also increase your risk of depression.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Overwhelming feelings of sorrow, grief, hopelessness, shame, or guilt that last for more than two weeks are the primary characteristics of depression. Additional symptoms include:
- Loss of interest in activities you typically enjoy
- Loss of or increased appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Lethargy
- Slowed movements or speech
- Poor concentration
- Difficulty making decisions
- Thoughts of self-harm
Many patients experience depression in periodic episodes, but for some, these symptoms are constant.
How can depression be treated?
The compassionate providers at EXIS Recovery have the training and expertise to help resolve your depressive symptoms so you can regain your ability to function and enjoy a full life.
Following your initial consultation, your expert designs a personalized treatment plan to best meet your individual needs. Your custom care plan may include:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Small-group counseling
- Depth therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Sensory-motor therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT)
The mental health professionals at EXIS Recovery use a combination of these evidence-based techniques to help you understand and resolve your negative feelings and behaviors. Treatment for substance abuse and other co-occurring conditions may be part of your individualized care protocol.
In addition to therapy, your provider may recommend mind-body practices that alleviate stress and promote overall mental and physical wellness. These may include yoga, meditation, and massage therapy, among other approaches.
To put an end to the despair of depression, call today to request an appointment.
