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Understanding Process Addiction: Breaking the Cycle of Behavioral Dependence

At Sierra Health & Wellness Center, we believe healing begins with understanding. While many people think of addiction only in terms of substances, there’s another type that affects countless lives: process addiction (also called behavioral addiction). These are compulsive behaviors—not substances—that can cause serious harm if left unaddressed.

At Sierra, we draw on leading research and treatment approaches from the UCLA Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine, one of the foremost authorities on process addiction. This connection allows us to provide clients with evidence-based care rooted in the latest science and best practices.

What Is Process Addiction?

A behavioral or process addiction occurs when someone feels compelled to engage in certain behaviors, even when those actions cause negative consequences. While there’s no alcohol or drug directly involved, the brain’s reward pathways are hijacked in a similar way. Over time, the behavior becomes increasingly difficult to control without professional support.

The UCLA Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine has been at the forefront of studying how these compulsions form, how they overlap with mental health conditions, and what interventions are most effective. At Sierra, we translate this knowledge into compassionate, individualized care.

Common Behaviors Encompassed by Process Addiction
Process addictions can include:
  • Gambling addiction
  • Compulsive internet, gaming, or social media use
  • Shopping addiction
  • Sex and pornography addiction
  • Food-related or binge eating behaviors
  • Exercise addiction
  • Workaholism

Though these activities are common in daily life, they become problematic when they interfere with health, relationships, finances, or emotional stability. Guided by UCLA’s research, our clinicians recognize that these addictions are not “bad habits” but serious conditions requiring structured treatment.

Why Stigma Persists Around Process Addictions

    Despite growing awareness, stigma remains. Many people dismiss behavioral addictions as a lack of willpower or confuse them with everyday habits. This often leads to shame, secrecy, and delay in seeking help.

    By applying UCLA’s clinical insights, Sierra Health & Wellness challenges these stigmas head-on. We help clients and families understand that process addictions are valid medical conditions—not moral failings—and that recovery is possible with the right support.

    Co-Occurring Disorders: What Often Shows Up Alongside Process Addiction
    Behavioral addictions frequently occur alongside other mental health conditions, such as:
      • Anxiety disorders
      • Depression and mood disorders
      • Trauma or PTSD
      • Eating disorders
      • OCD and impulse-control disorders
      • Substance use disorders

      Sierra integrates UCLA’s holistic treatment models to address both the addiction and any co-occurring conditions simultaneously. This dual-focus approach ensures lasting progress and prevents relapse.

      How Sierra Health & Wellness Helps: Our Approach to Process Addiction Recovery

      We combine our compassionate philosophy with the knowledge and treatment modalities developed by UCLA’s Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine. This means clients at Sierra benefit from supportive, grounding therapies in addition to standardized assessments which produce vital outcome data used in the development of specialized treatment to the individual.

      Our approach includes:

      1. Non-judgmental assessment – A full evaluation of behaviors, mental health, trauma, and triggers.
      2. Self-understanding – Therapy and psychoeducation to uncover root causes of compulsions.
      3. Integrated care – Treating co-occurring disorders alongside addiction.
      4. Skill development – Coping tools, relapse prevention, and emotional regulation.
      5. Community support – Group therapy, family involvement, and aftercare planning.
      6. Tailored treatment – Programs individualized to each client’s background and needs.
      Why Process Addictions Deserve Serious Attention

      Left untreated, process addictions can escalate quickly, strain relationships, worsen mental health, and even co-develop with substance misuse. But when addressed with evidence-based care, individuals can regain balance, purpose, and peace of mind.

       At Sierra Health + Wellness, process addictions are treated as secondary conditions when they occur alongside substance use disorders. For individuals whose process addictions are the primary or only concern, many benefit from specialized treatment and recovery programs, including 12-step fellowships that provide peer support and accountability. Here are trusted resources you can explore for each type:

      • Gambling addiction – Gamblers Anonymous offers peer support meetings, self-assessment tools, and recovery programs.
      • Compulsive internet, gaming, or social media use – Consider therapists specializing in digital addiction or online support groups such as Internet & Tech Addiction Anonymous (virtual and local meetings available).
      • Shopping addiction – Spenders Anonymous provides meetings and tools for those struggling with compulsive spending, alongside financial and behavioral therapy options.
      • Sex & pornography addiction – Sex Addicts Anonymous offers structured recovery, peer support, and resources for accountability.
      • Exercise addiction – A mental health professional with experience in behavioral addictions can help you find balance; explore local counseling or support groups.
      • Workaholism – Workaholics Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship offering meetings and literature for those recovering from compulsive work behavior and burnout.

      Process addictions are real, and they deserve the same seriousness as substance use disorders. At Sierra Health & Wellness Center, we honor the individual journey to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.

      If you or someone you love feels trapped in compulsive behaviors—whether gambling, eating, working, or online use—know that you’re not alone. With deep self-understanding and comprehensive support, recovery is not just possible, it’s within reach.

      FAQs About Process Addiction

      • Is process addiction considered a legitimate addiction?

        Yes. Process addiction—also called behavioral addiction—is recognized by mental health professionals and supported by scientific research. While no substances are involved, the brain’s reward system reacts in much the same way as with drugs or alcohol. The UCLA Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine has been a leader in confirming and explaining how these compulsions function.

      • What is the difference between process addiction and substance addiction?

        Both process addictions (like gambling or gaming) and substance addictions affect the brain’s reward system, but in different ways. Drugs directly change brain chemistry by flooding it with dopamine or mimicking natural chemicals, which can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal. Process addictions, on the other hand, trigger dopamine more indirectly through anticipation and reward cues, creating powerful habits and cravings without the same level of physical withdrawal. In both cases, the brain’s wiring is reshaped, making it harder to control urges and easier to relapse.

      • What are the most common types of process addiction?

        Some of the most common process addictions include:

        • Gambling addiction
        • Internet, gaming, or social media addiction
        • Shopping addiction
        • Sex and pornography addiction
        • Food addiction or binge eating disorder
        • Exercise addiction
        • Work addiction (workaholism)
      • Why are process addictions stigmatized?

        Many process addictions are misunderstood because they involve everyday behaviors. People may think someone should “just stop” or that the issue isn’t serious. This stigma often prevents people from seeking help. At Sierra Health & Wellness, we educate clients and families, breaking down these misconceptions and providing compassionate care.

      • Do process addictions occur with other mental health conditions?

        Yes, very often. People struggling with behavioral addictions frequently also experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, or substance use disorders. This is called a co-occurring disorder, and treating both conditions together leads to the best outcomes.

      • How are process addictions treated?

        At Sierra Health & Wellness, treatment is individualized and may include:

        • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
        • Trauma-informed treatment (Brainspotting, Written Exposure Therapy)
        • Mindfulness and stress management techniques
        • Individual and group therapy
        • Psychiatric support when necessary
        • Family therapy
        • Carefully created aftercare planning focused on developing a community of support
      • Can you fully recover from a process addiction?

        Yes. While recovery looks different for everyone, with the right support, people can regain balance, reduce or eliminate compulsive behaviors, and build healthier coping mechanisms. Many clients find that recovery brings a deeper self-understanding and a stronger connection to their values and relationships.

      • When should someone seek help for a process addiction?

        It’s time to seek help if the behavior:

        • Interferes with relationships, work, or school
        • Creates financial, legal, or health problems
        • Leads to guilt, shame, or secrecy
        • Feels uncontrollable, even with repeated attempts to stop

        Reaching out early increases the chances of long-term recovery.