Process addictions explained: How behaviour can become addictive

When most people hear the word addiction, substances like alcohol and drugs often come to mind, but addiction doesn’t always involve chemicals. In some cases, everyday behaviours such as gambling, gaming, shopping, or even excessive screen time, can take on addictive patterns. These are known as process addictions.

What are process addictions?

A process addiction (sometimes called a behavioural addiction) occurs when someone develops a compulsive relationship with a behaviour that stimulates the brain’s reward system in similar ways to drugs or alcohol. Instead of relying on substances, the person becomes dependent on the process itself. Whether that’s scrolling on a phone, playing video games, or placing bets.

Research shows that clinically, the brain responds in much the same way as it does with substance use. Neuroimaging studies have revealed that both substance use and behavioural addictions activate the same pathways in the brain, particularly affecting dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. This explains why dopamine spikes, cravings intensify, and the cycle of dependence takes hold in remarkably similar ways.

Over time the behaviour often becomes difficult to control and starts to disrupt daily life, creating what researchers refer to as functional impairment. This is when the addiction interferes with work, relationships, or personal wellbeing.

Common types of process addictions include:

• Gaming
• Social media and internet
• Shopping or spending
• Gambling
• Food or compulsive eating
• Exercise
• Work
• Pornography and Sexual activity

The impact of process addictions on developing brains

For parents these challenges can be particularly worrying when it comes to their children and brain development. The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports that a majority of Australian children are spending more than the recommended two-hour daily limit on screen time for entertainment.

The adolescent brain, still developing until the mid-twenties, is especially vulnerable to addictive patterns due to an overactive reward system and underdeveloped impulse control regions.

Australian research shows that internet use among young people is nearly universal (98.9%), with 85.3% engaging in electronic gaming. While most young people use technology without problems, the same study found that 3.9% of young people reported problematic behaviour related to their internet and gaming use. Concerning, the research also revealed that girls experiencing problematic behaviour showed much higher rates of psychological distress (41.8%) compared to boys (19.4%).

The study also found strong associations between emotional problems, high psychological distress, and increased time spent online or gaming. Highlighting the complex relationship between mental health and technology use in developing brains.

Excessive time online through gaming, social media, or streaming can mimic addictive patterns in young people. Spotting when just a lot of screen time spills over into something more concerning, but warning signs include mood changes when access is restricted, declining academic performance, and social withdrawal.

Process addictions and co-occurring disorders

Process addictions often don’t exist in isolation. Many people experiencing behavioural addictions may also live with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or substance use. This is referred to as co-occurring disorders (or dual diagnosis), and it highlights why personalised treatment matters.

The relationship between these conditions is complex. Sometimes mental health conditions can increase vulnerability to process addictions as people seek ways to cope with difficult emotions or symptoms. Other times, the addictive behaviour itself can worsen mental health symptoms, creating a challenging cycle.

Addressing the behaviour alone isn’t enough. Evidence-based treatment approaches recognise the effective intervention must look at the underlying emotional, psychological, or environmental factors that contribute to addictive patterns. This might include trauma history, family dynamics, social pressures, or neurological differences.

Finding a way forward

If you or someone you love is struggling with a process addiction, it’s important to know that help is available, and recovery is absolutely possible. Research consistently shows that with appropriate support, people can and do recover from process addictions.

Recovery is not about blame or shame. It’s about understanding, support, and practical steps towards change. Many people find that addressing a process addiction actually leads to improvements in other areas of life, including better relationships, improved mental health, and a stronger sense of purpose.

When to seek help:
Consider reaching out for professional support if you notice:

• The behaviour continues despite negative consequences
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop
• Preoccupation with the behaviour when not engaging in it
• Lying or being secretive about the extent of the behaviour
• Using the behaviour to cope with difficult emotions
• Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or self-care

At Arrow Health, we recognise that all forms of addiction deserve compassionate, evidence-based care. Our approach is grounded in the latest research while remaining deeply human and hopeful. Every person’s journey is unique, and with the right support, meaningful change is not only possible but likely.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Process addictions are real medical conditions, not moral failings, and they respond well to proper treatment and support.

If you’re ready to take the next step, our experienced team is here to help. Call Arrow Health today to learn more about our evidence-based approach to treating process addictions and co-occurring conditions.