Co-Occurring Process Addictions

What Are Process Addictions?

Process Addictions, also referred to as Behavioral Addictions, include but are not limited to gambling, sex, exercise, eating, shopping, internet, gaming, etc. These behaviors have been proven to be as "addictive" as alcohol and drugs.

It is common for a person with a Substance Use Disorder to also suffer from a Process Addiction. It is also common for a person in recovery to develop a process addiction as they begin abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Without having developed healthy coping mechanisms a client can develop process addictions which take the place of drugs and alcohol.

How We Treat Process Addictions

At Aspire we will assess for possible Process Addictions and where appropriate treat the Process Addiction and Substance Use Disorder simultaneously. If a higher level of treatment is required for a process addiction we will refer clients to one of the many Process Addiction specific professionals we work with for additional treatment.

Existing or new process addictions need to be treated alongside drug and alcohol use disorders. If a client is experiencing a process addiction than they have a much higher likelihood of relapsing on drugs or alcohol. This is because they are still engaging in an addictive behavior.

Integrating process addiction treatment alongside drug and alcohol use treatment increases the odds of success after a client returns to their daily lives. The goal of Aspire of Texas is to have our clients develop healthy coping skills so they do not fall into an old way of thinking once treatment is complete. Through developing these coping skills in a controlled setting, educating clients about potentially dangerous behaviors and addressing problematic behaviors, Aspire of Texas can create the best odds of success for a client when they leave our care.