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INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Behavioral addictions

of genetic predisposition, neurobiological underpinnings, symptoms are most consistently referred to as irritability
personality and psychological characteristics, clinical and restlessness following cessation of the activity. It is
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features, comorbidities, course, and treatment methods. important to differentiate between withdrawal symptoms
Furthermore, a new condition, “Internet gaming disorder”, associated with Internet gaming disorder and negative
was included in Section III (Conditions for Further Study) emotions resulting from abrupt cessation of gaming.
of the DSM-5. Symptoms that persist for a few hours to a few days
after the cessation of play can be regarded as withdrawal
2. Behavioral addictions symptoms. Second, behavioral addictions may have
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The term “addiction” has traditionally been used to different motives from those of SUD. For example, in
describe a chronic and relapsing brain disease caused by the case of gambling disorder, the presence of a financial
the action of certain substances or drugs on the brain. motive within gambling behavior, as evidenced by the
This results in neuroadaptation processes that lead to diagnostic criteria for persistence in gambling with the
tolerance and withdrawal, as well as the repeated use of aim to recover lost money, can be observed. With respect
substances despite the negative consequences. However, to gaming motivations, there may be achievement,
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the concept of addiction has evolved to include addiction immersion, or social components. Third, behaviors
caused by behaviors. Behaviors that were once performed regarded as types of behavioral addictions, such as sex
for the purpose of survival now utilized as instruments addiction and food addiction, frequently exhibit a high
to fulfill personal gratification beyond mere survival. degree of interconnectedness with real-life experiences.
These behaviors elicit pleasure, excitement, and mood This implies that the treatment goals for these behaviors
enhancement, similar to addictive substances, and differ from those of traditional addiction treatment,
serve as a means to relieve or avoid stress and negative which is focused on abstinence. Treatment goals for
emotions. Examples of such behaviors include food behavioral addictions may include improving self-control,
consumption, sex, spending (shopping), working, and discontinuing specific behaviors, or minimizing the harm
exercise. Behavioral addictions, such as gambling disorder, caused by addictive behaviors. Furthermore, while SUD are
share common characteristics with SUD, including typically regarded as a progressive disease with worsening
loss of control, preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, outcomes over time, some behavioral addictions may
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and a pattern of persistent behavior despite negative exhibit a spontaneous remission course.
consequences. Moreover, therapeutic approaches for 4. Future perspectives
behavioral addictions are quite similar to those for SUD.
These include motivational enhancement therapy to The concept of behavioral addiction is evolving gradually,
enhance intrinsic motivation, cognitive-behavioral therapy partly due to changes in societal environments, including
to identify and modify distorted thoughts or behaviors, the the advancement of the Internet. Consequently, novel forms
acknowledgment of one’s powerlessness over addiction of behavioral addiction, such as Internet gambling, have
and recovery through spiritual awakening in the 12-step emerged. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding
program, and the use of anti-craving medications like of these behavioral addictions, it is essential to conduct
opioid antagonists, such as naltrexone, which are also in-depth research that examines not only the similarities
applicable in behavioral addictions. with SUD but also the distinctive characteristics,
motivational factors, risk factors, and other aspects of each
3. Beyond substance addictions behavior.
Given the distinct characteristics of behavioral addictions Conflict of interest
compared to SUD, it is imperative to adopt a different
approach to comprehend behavioral addictions. First, The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
in behavioral addictions, there are often no physical References
withdrawal symptoms. For instance, alcohol enters
the brain and causes addiction, which can result in 1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical
physical withdrawal symptoms such as hand tremors, Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. Vol 5. Washington,
nausea, vomiting, sweating, and seizures, in addition DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
to psychological withdrawal symptoms like anxiety. 2. Cunningham‐Williams RM, Gattis MN, Dore PM, Shi P,
Nevertheless, addictive behaviors such as gambling tend to Spitznagel EL JR. Towards DSM‐V: Considering other
manifest primarily psychological withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal‐like symptoms of pathological gambling
such as depression and anxiety, rather than physical disorder. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2009;18(1):13-22.
ones. In the case of Internet gaming disorder, withdrawal doi: 10.1002/mpr.273
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Volume 7 Issue 3 (2024) 2 doi: 10.36922/itps.3558