What is a process addiction? If there’s something you just can’t stop doing and it’s taking over your life, you may be struggling with a process addiction, or behavioral addiction.
All of us have certain activities that give us satisfaction, joy, and purpose. For example, we may love our work. We may adore fashion and enjoy the time we spend shopping for new styles. We may even find that sex and romance hold a special place in our lives – and that we feel most alive when we’re sharing an intimate moment with someone.
However, there are times when something that might have been a positive part of our lives becomes an unhealthy focus. It seems we simply can’t stop. Before long, we begin to hurt our partners, families, and friends as our compulsive behaviors take over.
Mental health experts refer to this pattern as process addiction, or behavioral addiction. We know that this form of addiction affects hundreds of thousands of people, and that many end up losing careers, homes and relationships to behaviors they can’t control.
If you are worried that you someone you know is suffering from one or more process addictions, now is the time to seek out the help you need.
A priceless definition of abstinence, by a former patient (shared with permission). All of us at SCH strive for this each and every day.
“Abstinence means waking up every day and dedicating myself to recovery. Taking care of my body, mind and soul. For my body, abstinence is avoiding toxic substances and eating nutritious foods to feel my body in a healthy way. For my mind, abstinence means actively censoring my thoughts and effectively using my coping skills to manage stress and relieve anxiety. For my soul, abstinence means truly being happy means that I make decisions that are consistent with my morals and values and take full responsibility for my choices.
That’s a very abundant definition of abstinence and not a definition I would in any way, shape or form associate with deprivation.