A hobby is supposed to be something you enjoy and that helps you unwind. But some of these activities, especially online gaming, sports betting or trading, can become hard for you to control.
If you find that something that used to be fun for you starts to take up more of your time, money or mental energy than you would like, it may be a sign of a behavioral addiction.
Recognizing the signs of a behavioral addiction can help you manage or overcome it.
What is a behavioral addiction?
Behavioral addiction is when you feel like you can’t control an activity, even when it starts to cause problems in your daily life.
Unlike substance addiction, behavioral addiction is an addiction without drugs or alcohol that triggers the brain’s reward system. “The behavior releases dopamine, like drugs or alcohol do,” said Hannah Bennett, a licensed social worker with Banner Health.
Examples include:
- Gambling or sports betting
- Online gaming
- High-risk investing or trading
- Social media use
Even though behavioral addiction is not the same as substance addiction, it’s still a real addiction. Gambling disorder is recognized as a psychological disorder and experts believe that online gaming and social media use may be recognized as disorders in the future.
These behaviors can be addictive because when they trigger your brain’s reward system you get short-term relief or excitement. They can create a cycle of anticipation, reward and regret.
It’s that pattern, not the activity itself, that can cause problems. It’s possible to gamble, play video games, invest online or spend time on social media in healthy ways. It’s also possible that activities like these can become behavioral addictions.
When a hobby may be turning into a problem
Loss of control is one of the biggest warning signs of behavioral addiction. Your hobby could be a problem if you:
- Spend more time on it than you planned
- Think about the activity often or constantly
- Have trouble cutting back
- Are neglecting your work, family or personal responsibilities
- Feel restless, irritable or uncomfortable when you’re not doing it
Emotional warning signs of addiction include:
- Using the activity to cope with stress or manage your mood
- Feeling guilt or shame about the time or money you’re spending on the activity
- Hiding your behavior from others
You may also have financial concerns, especially with gambling addiction or online trading, with signs like:
- Chasing losses when you’re betting or trading
- Spending more money than you planned
- Using money that should go toward bills or other expenses for the activity
Who may be at higher risk
Some people can take part in these activities without becoming addicted. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression
- Have a personal or family history of addiction, including substance abuse or eating disorders
- Are seeking quick rewards or escape
- Have easy access through apps or online platforms
How behavioral addiction can impact you
“Behavioral addiction can affect your life in all spheres, including personal, social, professional and spiritual,” Bennett said. It can cause:
- Strained relationships
- Financial stress
- Reduced performance at work or school
- Sleep problems
- Increased anxiety, mood changes or other mental health challenges
When should you seek help?
Early support can prevent problems from getting worse. It’s a good idea to reach out for help if you have signs that your hobby is a behavioral addiction such as:
- Feeling like you can’t stop or cut back
- Problems with your finances or relationships
- Using the activity to cope with difficult emotions
- Concerns that other people have expressed about how your activities are affecting you, them or your life
What treatment and support may look like
Different types of support can help you manage behavioral addiction. That could mean:
- Behavioral health counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Support groups where you can learn strategies that help other people
- Financial counseling, if needed, to get out of debt
- Addressing underlying mental health concerns like anxiety or depression
“There’s specialized therapy for these disorders. Help is out there,” Bennett said.
FAQs
What is a behavioral addiction?
It’s a pattern of behavior that becomes hard to control and continues despite negative effects.
Can gaming or betting really be addictive?
Yes. These activities can trigger the brain’s reward system in ways similar to substance addiction.
What are the early signs of behavioral addiction?
Spending more time than you intended on the activity, difficulty stopping and neglecting your responsibilities.
Is behavioral addiction a mental health condition?
Yes, it is recognized as part of behavioral health and may require treatment.
When should I seek help?
If the behavior affects your daily life, relationships or finances.
The bottom line
Hobbies should add to your life, not take it over. If an activity you want to enjoy starts to feel difficult to control or makes you feel stressed, it may be time to take a closer look and get help.
If you’re concerned about behavioral addiction, a Banner Health provider can help you find support and get your life back in balance.
