Can behavioral addictions be treated?
Not only can they be treated, but they must be treated, since addictions affect all important areas of a person's life (family, social, economic, work, and academic), hindering proper personal development. This is especially significant during childhood and adolescence.
The primary goal of treating behavioral addictions is relearning, controlling behavior, and changing the individual's lifestyle. As we know, most behavioral addictions have a significant impact on a person's life (shopping, sex, playing video games, etc.), so simply ceasing the behavior is not a viable option. The clinical therapies with the highest reliability for successful treatment are behavioral, cognitive, and cognitive-behavioral therapies, conducted individually and, in some cases, in groups. The prescription of psychotropic medications is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account associated symptoms such as mood disorders, high impulsivity, anxiety, etc.