Non-substance addictions, also known as behavioral addictions, are a type of disorder in which a person is driven to participate in certain activities compulsively and repetitively, despite the negative consequences that this may entail. Unlike chemical addictions, such as alcoholism or drug addiction, non-substance addictions do not involve the use of a psychoactive substance, but instead focus on repetitive and habitual behaviors that generate immediate gratification or pleasure for the person who suffers. does them.
Addiction to technologies
One of the most common addictions without substance today is addiction to technologies, especially to mobile devices and the Internet. Easy access to technology and its constant presence in our lives has led to a significant increase in cases of people developing excessive dependence on their smartphones, tablets, computers or other electronic devices.
Consequences of technology addiction
This addiction can have negative consequences on the person's life, affecting their mental health, their ability to relate to others, their academic or work performance, and even their physical health. . Excessive use of technology can lead to problems such as anxiety, depression, social isolation, lack of sleep, decreased concentration, and procrastination on important tasks.
Gambling addiction
Another common non-substance addiction is gambling addiction, also known as gambling addiction. This addiction is characterized by the uncontrollable need to play games of chance, such as slot machines, poker, roulette, among others, despite the negative consequences that this may have on the person's life.
Impact of gambling addiction
Pathful gambling can have a devastating impact on the life of those who suffer from it, as it can lead to serious financial problems, family conflicts, loss of employment, debt , and even mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Gambling addiction can result in a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape without the right help.
Work addiction
Work addiction, also known as workaholism, is another non-substance addiction characterized by the compulsive need to work excessively and obsessively, even at the expense of health, personal relationships, and quality of life. People with work addictions often have difficulty disconnecting from the work environment and tend to dedicate most of their time and energy to their work responsibilities, neglecting other areas of their lives.
Effects of work addiction
This addiction can have negative effects on the person's physical and mental health, causing chronic stress, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, sleep problems and conflicts in interpersonal relationships. Workaholism can also lead to a deterioration in the quality of the work performed, since the workaholic person tends to be constantly overloaded and exhausted, which affects their performance and productivity.
Exercise addiction
Exercise addiction, also known as vigorexia, is a substanceless addiction that is characterized by the compulsive obsession with doing physical exercise excessively, intensely and compulsively, with the aim of maintaining a perfect body or achieving standards. of unreal beauty. People with vigorexia often feel a constant need to train, even when injured or exhausted, and may experience anxiety or feelings of guilt if they cannot perform their usual exercise routine.
Risks of exercise addiction
Exercise addiction can lead to health risks, such as muscle injuries, physical wear and tear, eating disorders, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, and mental health problems, such as obsession with body image and anxiety. low self-esteem. It is important to keep in mind that physical exercise in itself is beneficial for health, but when it becomes a compulsive obsession and harms the person's quality of life, it can be considered an addiction.
Addiction to Shopping
Shopping addiction, also known as oniomania, is a substanceless addiction characterized by the uncontrollable compulsion to purchase material goods excessively and impulsively, without real need or control over the quantity. or the cost of the objects purchased. People with oniomania often experience an uncontrollable urge to shop, followed by a feeling of relief or pleasure when making the purchase, but which can later lead to feelings of guilt or remorse.
Impact of addiction to shopping shopping
Oniomania can have a negative impact on the financial situation, personal relationships and mental health of the person who suffers from it. Excessive debt, the accumulation of unnecessary objects, the lack of control over expenses and the constant search for gratification through consumption can generate family conflicts, financial stress and self-esteem problems. Shopping addiction may be a reflection of an underlying emotional discomfort that the person attempts to alleviate through the acquisition of material goods.
Conclusions
Non-substance addictions cover a wide range of range of compulsive and addictive behaviors that can generate great interference in the life of the person who suffers from them. It is important to recognize that, like chemical addictions, behavioral addictions require specialized treatment and a multidisciplinary approach that involves the intervention of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists specialized in addictions.
The first step to overcoming a non-substance addiction is to recognize that you have a problem and seek professional help. With the right support and a combination of individual, group and family therapies, it is possible to overcome these addictions and regain control over one's life. Prevention and education about non-substance addictions are essential to promote healthy and balanced use of technologies and other risk behaviors that can lead to addictions.