Anyone that has ever suffered from a behavioral addiction or knows someone who has, understands the devastation that it can cause. Just as a physical addiction can take over a person’s life in a negative way, so can a behavioral addiction. People who are addicted to pornography, sex, love, shopping, video games, exercise, work, and food will struggle with how to control their urges to engage in these types of activities.

There is a tendency for individuals on the outside looking in to consider these addictions as “non-addictions.” Often times, they don’t get the sympathy that drug addicts do. Many people expect those persons who struggle with the aforementioned addictions to simply get over it. Unfortunately, it isn’t that easy. In fact, it is incredibly difficult. Below, is a list and short review of some of the most common behavioral addictions that people suffer from.  If you click on the corresponding links, you will find additional information about each one.

Pornography: This addiction has increasingly become problematic because of the accessibility of porn on the internet.

Sex Addiction: Millions of people are unable to control their sexual urges. Not only is this dangerous for the person with the addiction but also for individuals that they are intimate with, both physically or emotionally.

Love: Some people are in love with the idea of being in love and the feelings associated with it. Consequently, they often go from one relationship to the next.

Shopping: People with a shopping addiction often spend money that they don’t have to support this very financially draining habit.

Video Games: Video Game addictions have been on the rise. Many people, both children and adults, are foregoing the outdoors and traditional social settings to stay inside and play video games.

Exercise: In an effort to become or stay thin, some men and women spend an excessive amount of time exercising.

Work: Whether it is to get ahead or maintain what one has, some people spend way too much time at work. This is to the detriment of them and the people who love them. (both physically and emotionally).

Food: Millions of people self-medicate themselves with food. Becoming overweight, obese, the onset of chronic diseases and eating disorders are often the result.