That rush of excitement when you're about to hit 'buy now'. The hours lost in gaming worlds that feel more real than reality. The compulsive checking of social media that eats away at your day. If you're caught in a cycle of behaviour that feels impossible to stop, despite the negative consequences, you're not alone. As an online counsellor working with clients in the Reading area, I've supported many people struggling with process addictions - behaviours that can be just as compelling and difficult to control as substance dependencies.
What Are Process Addictions?
Unlike substance addictions, process addictions involve everyday behaviours that become compulsive and uncontrollable. Shopping, gaming, work, exercise, internet use, or even relationships can develop into addictive patterns that feel impossible to break.
Understanding Why You Can't "Just Stop"
The truth is, process addictions aren't about lack of willpower. Your brain can become hooked on the dopamine rush from these behaviours, creating reward pathways that make stopping feel impossibly difficult. This isn't weakness - it's neuroscience.
Signs You May Be Struggling
Emotional Signs
- Intense urges to engage in the behaviour
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to do it
- Using the behaviour to cope with difficult emotions
Impact on Daily Life
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Financial difficulties
- Relationship problems
- Loss of interest in other activities
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop
Why It's So Hard to Break Free
Process addictions often develop as ways to cope with underlying issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma. The behaviour becomes a way to self-soothe or escape, making it particularly challenging to stop without addressing these root causes.
The Path to Recovery
Recovery is possible, but it often requires more than just trying to stop the behaviour. Professional support can help you:
- Understand your triggers
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms
- Address underlying issues
- Build new patterns of behaviour
- Create sustainable recovery strategies
Finding Support
If you're struggling with a process addiction, know that you're not alone and help is available. These issues are complex and often shame-laden, but they're also treatable with the right support.
As a counsellor specialising in addiction, I understand the complexities of process addictions and how challenging they can be to overcome. Whether you're dealing with shopping, gaming, work addiction, or any other compulsive behaviour, I'm here to help.
Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a session. Together, we can explore the roots of your addiction, understand your patterns, and develop strategies for lasting change. Recovery starts with understanding these important connections and finding the right support to help you break free from these challenging patterns.