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BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS

The term behavioral addiction refers to an individual developing an intense attraction or compulsive inclination towards a specific behavior. These types of addictions arise when certain behaviors trigger the brain's reward and pleasure mechanism through repetition.

How Are Addictions Classified Into Behavioral And Chemical Types?

Addictions are typically divided into two primary categories: behavioral and chemical. Behavioral addictions represent situations where individuals experience discomfort, but the condition does not stem from substance use; instead, it revolves around specific behaviors. In such cases, individuals may find pleasure, relaxation and a sense of well-being when engaging in certain behaviors. However, if these behaviors lead to adverse outcomes, individuals may lose control over them, experience a weakened willpower and become mentally and physically consumed, indicating a behavioral addiction.

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Individuals with addiction often find their behaviors psychologically satisfying or enjoyable. However, feelings of guilt, remorse or anger may follow, leaving them feeling helpless due to the consequences of their ongoing choices. Coping with behavioral addictions can be challenging, as individuals often struggle to quit or reduce a specific behavior or action without treatment or intervention, leading to unsuccessful attempts to quit.

Numerous studies in the literature highlight the distinction between investigating the action that triggers addiction and its pathological level of use, compared to chemical addictions. While chemical addictions are characterized by tolerance and withdrawal, these physical symptoms may not be as evident in behavioral addictions. However, they still manifest to some extent. For a behavior to be considered addictive, it must encompass criteria such as mental preoccupation, mood variability, tolerance, withdrawal, interpersonal conflict and repetition.

 

 


Key symptoms of behavioral addictions include an incessant need to engage in the behavior, persistence for longer periods and more frequently than planned, spending excessive time engaging in the behavior, unsuccessful attempts to control, quit or reduce it, negative consequences on work, family and academic success, efforts to increase the frequency and intensity of the behavior and feelings of tension, restlessness or anxiety when the behavior is not performed. Behavioral addictions, such as technology addiction, food addiction, gambling addiction and sex addiction, exhibit these defining characteristics.

At the core of behavioral addictions lies individuals' inability to resist the urge or allure of engaging in harmful actions towards themselves or others. Each behavioral addiction is characterized by a repetitive behavior pattern demonstrating this fundamental feature in a specific area. These behaviors interfere with functionality in other areas when repeated, resembling substance use disorders in this regard. Individuals with substance addictions report difficulty resisting the urge to drink alcohol or use drugs.

Both behavioral and substance addictions share many similarities in terms of their natural history, phenomenology and adverse outcomes. Typically emerging in adolescence and young adulthood, they are more prevalent in these age groups than in older adults. Both behavioral and substance addictions exhibit a natural course characterized by chronic and recurring patterns. However, many individuals can achieve self-recovery without formal treatment, a phenomenon known as "spontaneous remission".

There are noticeable similarities in how behavioral and substance addictions manifest. People grappling with behavioral addiction often describe experiencing a kind of urge or craving before engaging in their behaviors, much like individuals with substance use disorders. Additionally, these behaviors typically aim to alleviate anxiety and can result in a sense of euphoria or a "high," similar to substance intoxication. Emotional instability can contribute to increased cravings in both behavioral addictions and substance use disorders. For instance, individuals experiencing pathological gambling, kleptomania, compulsive sexual behavior and compulsive buying often mention a decrease in the positive effects of their behaviors with repetition or a need to intensify the behavior to achieve the same effect, similar to building a tolerance.

The inclination of behavioral addictions to trigger financial and marital problems mirrors similar challenges seen in substance use disorders. Individuals with behavioral addictions, much like those with substance use disorders, may resort to illegal activities to fund their addictive behaviors or cope with the repercussions of their actions.

For more detailed information on the topics covered in this section, you may refer to the following sources: 

· Grant, J. E. (2010). Introduction to Behavioral Addictions. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 36(5), 233–241.

· Murphy, E. (2023, May 26). Behavioral Addictions.

· Turkish Green Crescent Society

More Latest News

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Following the successful completion of the Addiction Prevention Training Program (TBM) held on 4–5 October 2025, a follow-up online supervision session titled “IFGC TBM 2025 Follow-up Process and Supervision Session” was organized on 18 February 2026. The session was jointly conducted by the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) and the Turkish Green Crescent Society through its Training Management Department, with the aim of monitoring implementation processes and strengthening the capacities of certified practitioners across countries. The one-and-a-half-hour program was led by Afra Sevde Çelebi. Trainers who have been actively delivering addiction prevention education in their respective countries shared their field experiences, discussed challenges encountered during implementation, and reflected on the outcomes of their activities. Participants emphasized the transformative, developmental, interactive, and community-centered impact of the TBM trainings. In several countries, the sessions generated renewed training requests, led to the establishment of parent support networks, and encouraged the formation of youth volunteer teams. A total of 16 participants from 12 countries attended the supervision session, representing Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Somalia), North Africa (Tunisia), Europe (Greece, Kosovo), South America (Colombia), and Southeast Asia (Indonesia). This wide geographical representation once again demonstrated the multi-continental reach of the Green Crescent’s prevention model and its adaptability to diverse cultural and regional contexts. IFGC and the Turkish Green Crescent Society remain committed to sustaining capacity-building efforts, enhancing the quality of addiction prevention practices, and fostering continuous knowledge exchange among international practitioners.  

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The Board of Directors Meeting of the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC), whose permanent secretariat is carried out by the Turkish Green Crescent Society, was held on 29–30 January 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. During the meeting, the Federation’s ongoing activities were reviewed, and key issues related to organizational structure, governance processes, and strategic priorities were discussed. The meeting was attended by IFGC Board Members and IFGC Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu. Participants included Kazım Ateş, President of Green Crescent Australia (Australia); Petar Gramatikof, Board Member of Yeshilay Bulgaria Association (Bulgaria); Shagabitdin Kerimov, President of Dagestan Green Crescent (Dagestan); Era Catur Prasetya, President of Yayasan Green Crescent Indonesia (Indonesia); Nihad Dervisevic, Secretary General of Zeleni Krst – Zeleni Polumsejec (Serbia); and Magid Mayanja Kagimu, President of the Uganda Green Crescent Society (Uganda). Following the Board Meeting, participants attended the Strong Family Workshop organized by the Turkish Green Crescent Society. Conducted through interactive dialogue, the workshop addressed effective parent–child communication methods and protective approaches against addictions. As part of the program, on Friday, 30 January 2026, the IFGC Board Members carried out a field visit to the Bursa Green Crescent Rehabilitation Center. During the visit, participants received comprehensive information on the Center’s services and had the opportunity to observe Türkiye’s rehabilitation and treatment practices on site.  The field visit included a detailed presentation by Tuba Bilmişoğlu, Director of the Bursa Green Crescent Rehabilitation Center. Board Members examined rehabilitation and treatment approaches firsthand and exchanged views with expert professionals on addiction prevention, recovery processes, and psychosocial support practices. The visit contributed to the international sharing of the Green Crescent’s experience in the field of rehabilitation. The IFGC Board of Directors Meeting aims to strengthen the Federation’s strategic direction, enhance governance capacity, promote international cooperation, and further reinforce its global role in addiction prevention, treatment, and public health advocacy.   

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