Behavioral Addictions

Not all addictions involve substances. Process addictions—compulsive behaviors around activities like porn, gambling, gaming, or social media—follow the same neural pathways.

What You'll Learn

• How behavioral addictions differ from substance addictions
• The unique challenges of "abstinence" with process addictions
• Common patterns and warning signs
• Strategies specific to behavioral recovery

Why Behavioral Addictions Are Tricky

Unlike substances, you can't completely abstain from all potentially addictive behaviors. You still need to use the internet, manage money, and navigate a world full of triggers.

This makes recovery about learning to have a healthy relationship with these activities—not eliminating them entirely.

The Escalation Pattern

Behavioral addictions typically follow a predictable escalation:

1. Discovery - First exposure creates a strong dopamine response
2. Escalation - Seeking more intense versions to get the same effect
3. Compulsion - Behavior becomes automatic, driven by cues
4. Consequences - Negative impacts on relationships, work, health
5. Shame Cycle - Shame leads to more use to escape painful feelings

Breaking the Cycle

Recovery isn't about perfection—it's about building awareness of this cycle and developing tools to interrupt it at key points.

The Gate Protocol, introduced in Module 5, gives you specific techniques for that critical moment between urge and action.