Process Addictions
Breaking Free from Compulsion
At Headwaters, we understand the profound impact process addictions have on emotional well-being, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. Compulsive behaviors—ranging from gambling and shopping to sex and social media use—can be just as challenging to overcome as substance use disorders. These behaviors often serve as coping mechanisms for more profound emotional struggles, creating cycles that are difficult to break without professional intervention.
Our evidence-based, tailored treatments address the unique challenges of process addictions, particularly for individuals in high-stress, high-visibility roles. At Headwaters, we believe recovery is possible and we are here to guide you toward lasting freedom.
What Is a Process Addiction?
- Process addictions involve compulsive behaviors that activate the brain’s reward system in much the same way as substances like drugs or alcohol. These behaviors—though not involving a substance—can become addictive, causing individuals to feel compelled to repeat them despite harmful consequences.When paired with substance use disorders, process addictions amplify the challenges of recovery, but integrated care can help patients address the underlying issues driving both conditions.
Why Process Addictions Are Hard to Resist
Process addictions are reinforced by the immediate gratification they provide, such as the thrill of a winning bet, the excitement of a shopping spree, or the perceived validation from social media likes. Over time, individuals develop a tolerance, requiring more frequent or extreme behaviors to achieve the same rush.
When access to the addictive behavior is restricted, withdrawal symptoms—such as anxiety, irritability, or depression—can manifest, perpetuating the cycle of addiction. With proper treatment, these cycles can be broken, allowing individuals to regain control and rebuild their lives.
Common Process Addictions We Treat:
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder: An obsessive focus on perceived physical imperfections often leads to harmful behaviors such as excessive cosmetic procedures or extreme dieting.
- Exercise Addiction: While physical fitness is important, overtraining to the point of injury or exhaustion can signal an addiction to exercise.
- Work Addiction: For high-performing professionals, workaholism can disguise itself as ambition, often leading to burnout, relational difficulties, and health complications.
- Gambling Addiction: Betting large sums of money or risking personal assets in pursuit of a thrill can result in financial ruin and emotional distress.
- Shopping Addiction: Compulsive purchasing, whether online or in person, often leads to financial strain and emotional dissatisfaction.
- Love and Relationship Addiction: Jumping from one intense, unhealthy relationship to another—or maintaining multiple destructive relationships—can be a sign of deeper emotional struggles.
- Smartphone and Social Media Addiction: Constant phone use, endless scrolling, and seeking validation through likes or comments often result in disconnection from loved ones and real-world responsibilities.
- Cyber Addiction and Video Gaming: Excessive time spent gaming or online can disrupt sleep, relationships, and daily responsibilities.
- Self-Harm Addiction: Physical harm as a coping mechanism for emotional numbness often becomes a compulsive cycle, requiring compassionate care to address underlying pain.
- Sex Addiction: Engaging in compulsive sexual behaviors despite negative physical, emotional, or relational consequences can be deeply distressing and isolating.
our approach
Integrated Treatment for Process Addictions
At Headwaters, we recognize the complexity of process addictions, particularly when co-occurring with substance use disorders or mental health challenges. Our integrative approach provides a comprehensive path to recovery, addressing the psychological, physical, and emotional dimensions of addiction.
Psychological Testing and Diagnosis
Comprehensive evaluations are conducted to identify underlying conditions that contribute to compulsive behaviors. This process helps our specialists uncover key mental health factors, such as anxiety or mood disorders, ensuring a targeted approach to treatment.
Tailored Therapies for Lasting Change
Every patient at Headwaters participates in a minimum of two individual therapy sessions and one family therapy session weekly. Based on individual needs, additional sessions may be included. Our one-on-one care offers a confidential space to address personal challenges with licensed therapists and psychologists.
Therapies available include:
- Neurofeedback and Biofeedback
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Meditation and Mindfulness Training
- Marriage and Family Counseling
- Brainspotting
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
- Sex and Love Addiction Therapy
A Path to Hope and Healing
At Headwaters, we believe that recovery is within reach for everyone. Our compassionate, evidence-based care is designed to help you break free from process addictions and regain control of your life. Together, we’ll address the psychological, physical, and spiritual aspects of your journey, empowering you to embrace a healthier, more fulfilling future.
When you’re ready to begin, we’re here to help. Contact Headwaters today.