Process or Behavioral Addictions

This video describes and details the differences between Substance Use Disorders and Process Addictions. Several Process Addictions are discussed, as well as their implications for treatment. It illustrates the relationship between Addictions, Mental Illness, and Trauma and the concept of cross addiction is explored. Narrated by Ken Kinter.

[@taylors4895]

This was uploaded two years ago, have any of these other addictive behaviors you talked about been officially added to the DSM?

[@kenkinter6417]

Regrettably, no. The only diagnosis that has been added since the DSM 5 came out is Prolonged Grief Disorder. I thought Sex Addiction would get approved first, due the the efforts of Patrick Carnes, but if I had to guess, Internet Gaming Disorder will be approved first. No word on when. I was hoping there would be quicker approvals, since they don't have to publish a whole new manual for each diagnosis, but that is not the case.

[@mhalbelagria9905]

Thank you for this video. In layman's term, how addiction start to happen? What age it also start to occur for boys and girls?

[@veryconfused9768]

sir how can one break free from behavioral addiction, like say youtube addiction, where one feels we are gaining knowledge, it's not time wasting

[@kenkinter6417]

Dr. Gabor Mate says in his excellent book (In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts) "Passion is divine fire: it enlivens and makes holy; it gives light and yields inspiration. Passion is generous because it’s not ego-driven; addiction is self-centered. Passion gives and enriches; addiction is a thief. Passion is a source of truth and enlightenment; addictive behaviors lead you into darkness. You’re more alive when you are passionate, and you triumph whether or not you attain your goal. But an addiction requires a specific outcome that feeds the ego; without that outcome, the ego feels empty and deprived. A consuming passion that you are helpless to resist, no matter what the consequences, is an addiction." More simply, an addiction is something that does harm to you but you still do it. Is the specific behavior damaging other areas/roles of your life? Is it creating a "bubble" that you go to to escape the outside world or to numb pain? If you're not sure, ask the person/people you are closest to, as they may notice this before you do. Most of us go to get help more due to pressure from others, more than insight, to my experience.

[@charlottet7548]

Could you briefly explain how a food addiction would be different to binge eating disorder?

[@kenkinter6417]

Great question! I'm not an eating disorder expert, but if I was working with someone whose pattern with unhealthy eating habits resembled a process addiction (per the criteria in the video), I would recommend an approach that included the 12-step method (group like OA, fellowship, sponsor, stepwork via Gentle Path) along with therapy that focused on trauma. Probably less of a difference diagnostically that a more comprehensive treatment approach. It wasn't brief but hope it helped.

[@charlottet7548]

@@kenkinter6417 yes, that makes a lot of sense! Thank you! So essentially a treatment approach that doesn’t only focus on food and eating/weight management but rather a more holistic approach

[@kenkinter6417]

@@charlottet7548 Right. Where did this come from and how to we address the underlying issues, rather than treating the symptom and leaving the door open for cross addiction or other compulsive behavior. The Addictions video talks about the "Whack-A-Mole" model of addiction, which is both hilarious and true.

[@charlottet7548]

@@kenkinter6417 absolutely makes sense! Thank you very much!!!