As humans, we all need activities that bring us relaxation and allow us to release stress. Engaging in healthy behaviors like exercising, writing, playing, creating, and reading can provide an escape, but only to a certain extent. When certain pursuits become costly addictive behaviors, it is time to create a positive change.

Addictive behaviors are not limited to substance abuse like drugs and alcohol. Behavioral addictions are characterized by a series of acts that expose a person to “mood-altering events” on which they gain pleasure and become reliant, leading to changes in neurotransmitter function, particularly mesolimbic dopaminergic turnover. Addiction causes a person to have little control over what they are doing, using, or taking, and can cause harm to themselves and those around them.

Behavioral addictions like smartphone addiction, sex addiction, gambling addiction, and job addiction are all seen as psychological dependencies leading to emotions of shame, guilt, failure, despair, anxiety, hopelessness, and humiliation.

There are certain characteristics of addictive behaviors that we can recognize, such as giving up social and leisure activities, always maintaining a consistent supply, keeping stockpile, engaging in dangerous behavior, inability to stop using the substance, and being unaffected by health difficulties.

If you or someone you know is compulsively engaging in a detrimental behavior, it’s time to take action. Your first step should be to contact your local mental health provider or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline. Addictive behaviors that call for integrated treatment require more than self-help mechanisms and should always be handled by a professional.

Identifying the addiction is necessary for any chance of a positive change. If the addictive behavior is something you can self-manage, then the first step is to put a label on it. Overeating, overworking, or spending too much time engaged in a hobby to the detriment of obligations are just a few examples.

Understanding the addiction and knowing the risks is significant for bringing positive change. Gambling is an addictive behavior with enormous costs, but some cannot see the risk behind the potential reward. If you are challenged in identifying why change is necessary, talk to someone and let them help you see how costly the behavior can be if left unchecked.

Working with a trained professional can help you uncover your “why” and healthily process the systemic issue that could be causing the addictive behavior in the first place. Avoiding toxic people and clarifying your triggers can also aid in bringing about a positive change. Triggers can be internal or external, and they can occur at any time and in any place to reinforce the addiction.

Finding a substitute that is a socially responsible addiction can be effective in managing addictive behaviors. Activities like helping others, learning a new skill, or indulging in nature can provide a healthy escape from addictive behaviors.

In conclusion, addictive behaviors cause harm to individuals and those around them, and it is essential to identify and take action to bring about positive change. Engaging in socially responsible addictions can offer a healthier alternative to detrimental addictive behaviors. Seek professional help and support to overcome addiction and lead a fulfilling life.