SA 201 Process addictions

1. Behavioral addictions
Process addictions

2. What are
process
addictions
Behavioral addictions are often called process addictions.
Generally they are :
Gambling
Sex
Shopping
And more recently , internet gaming.

3. Process
addictions
This PowerPoint will address what a process addiction, is and
behaviors associated with each.The next PPT for this week will
explore the impact on families an family interventions and
education.

4. Process
addictions
Process addictions involve behavior as opposed to substances
Gambling addiction is in the DSMV
Sex addiction and shopping addiction are considered compulsive
behaviors
Internet gaming addiction is considered as “needing more
investigation/research” , which is significant as it means diagnostic
criteria are being explored enough to potentially be classified in the
next DSM. It is an increasing problem for even young children.
Increasing numbers of video games are geared toward the early
ages(Minecraft, for example)

5. Gambling
addiction
 https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/DSM-
5-Diagnostic-Criteria-Gambling-Disorder.pdf
 Click the link to se the DSM criteria for gambling addiction
 Gambling addiction is characterized as a loss of control over the
behavior. Similar to substance use disorders in that the behavior is
often characterized by :
Loss of control
Attempts to control
Progressive over time

6. Gambling
addiction
3 phase model
This model demonstrates the general phases of gambling addiction
developed by Custer. Of ten referred to as the “Custer model”
 Winning – big win or series of wins, optimistic winning will
continue, increased amounts of bets
 Losing – bragging about past wins, start gambling alone; no
longer social event, lying to family and friends, more time spent
involved in gambling. Home, work affected. ‘chasing losses”
 Desperation- marked increase in time spent gambling. Remorse,
illegal acts, etc. Illegal acts may include embezzling, stealing from
others or any number of acts to get money to gamble

7. Types of
gambling
 Casinos- slots or table games
 Slot machines are often referred to a s the crack cocaine of
gambling due to the highly addictive nature and atmosphere of
slot venues
 Scratch tickets
 Lottery tickets
 Fantasy sports
 Card games- a recent study of high school seniors(2016) found
that in some schools, more money(males in particular) is spent on
games likeTexas Hold ’em than on drugs or alcohol by students
There are many other forms of gambling, but these are common
examples

8. Gambling
 The hallmark of problem gambling is the loss of control. Loss of
control of time, money, frequency
 Many people gamble without developing a problem , but for those
for whom it is a problem, it gets out of control sometimes quickly
and large amounts of money are spent(lost)

9. Gambling
addiction
 Gambling creates same surges of dopamine and brain changes as
cocaine
 Behaviors associated with gambling often mimic other addictions-
job and home stress, large amounts of money lost, mood changes,
engaging in behaviors one would not otherwise engage in

10. Sex addiction
 Sex addiction is another common process addiction
 Not a DSM 5 disorder as an addiction
 Compulsive behavior
 Often present with other addictions- often seen in those in
recovery from other addictions- becomes the behavioral addiction
following substance abstinence

11. Sex addiction
 Can take many forms:
 Pornography-fantasies-1.900 calls, dangerous sexual behavior
 Often begins with addiction to masturbation/pornography
 Progresses to increasingly dangerous sexual behaviors
 Sex Addiction is defined by sexual behaviors that are in excess and
significantly impact one’s life in a negative way.

12. Cycle ofSex
Addiction
Cycle of addiction:
Behavior begins due to feelings of hopelessness, low self esteem,
“lack of excitement” often identified by those in early recovery
Acting out in some way- searching for porn, driving to places
where “hook ups” occur
Denial of feelings, followed by despair, shame
hopelessness and confusion- begins the cycle over

13. AssessingSex
Addiction
 PATHOS – a quick assessment tool for sex addiction
P- Preoccupied-Do you find yourself preoccupied with sexual
thoughts?
A- Ashamed- Do you hide some of your sexual behaviors from
others?
T-Treatment -Have you ever sought help for sexual behavior you
did not like
H- Hurt Others- Has anyone ever been hurt emotionally because
of your sexual behaviors?
O- Out of control-Do you feel controlled by your sexual desire
S- Sad- When you have sex, do you feel depressed afterward?

14. AssessingSex
Addiction
 PATHOS is not diagnostic in and of itself, but can give a quick
assessment as to whether or not further assessment is necessary
 There are several online self assessment tools as well, that clients
can do on their own, and discuss with you once completed

15. SexAddiction
 Sex Addiction is often correlated with other addictions, and often
those who have characteristics of a sex addiction also have a
family history of addiction and often have fears of abandonment
consistent with ACOA traits

16. Shopping
Addiction
 Not a DSM diagnosis in itself. Identified as compulsive behavior
 Behavior similar to other process addictions
(sex, gambling, etc)
 Brain changes with spending

17. Traits of
Shopping
Addiction
Common behavioral signs:
 Spending over budget. Does not understand limits of a budget
 Compulsive buying- go for one thing, end up with 10
 Chronic problem more than 2 or 3 months per year
Hiding the problem- often it’s the thrill of the hunt.Things may
never be used or worn, and have rooms or closets of items with
tags not removed, and never used.

18. Characteristics
 Affects more women than men
 Often have experienced addiction as an “affected other”
 Shop when out of control in some area of life-”retail therapy”
 Lie about purchases, spending
 Guilty, ashamed embarrassed by behavior
 Need to juggle accounts, borrow money to pay living expenses

19. Characteristics
 Buys with credit cards instead of cash
 Store cards – justifies store specific credit cards for the “ card
holder only deals”
 Euphoria when shopping
 Arguments with others about spending
 Hides purchases, brings them into the house gradually and denies
they are new purchases

20. Summary
 Process addictions are no less significant than substance use
disorders
 Often emerge in recovery from substance use
 Each has its own characteristics and behaviors, but all are similar
in terms of brain changes, behavioral progression and on self and
others.