It may seem harmless enough at first – an hour or two of extended gameplay before bed or a glut of online purchases increasingly showing up on a recurring basis.
But for some, those habits can turn into something far more problematic – where isolation becomes the order of the day, communication is lost or seemingly routine, daily responsibilities aren’t being met.
New research is examining whether certain activities – shopping, sex, video gaming, internet, pornography, phone and television use – may impact the brain in similar ways to alcohol or substance use disorders.
It’s a phenomenon commonly referred to as process addictions; however, Gambling Disorder is currently the only recognized diagnosis in this category
“When we are referring to process addictions, we are describing a behaviour that may initially feel rewarding for the brain. But then over time, it becomes a recurrent compulsion and the individual may continue engaging in the behaviour to the point that it can have significant negative impacts on their relationships and ability to maintain their responsibilities,” says Dr. Kyla Roberts, manager of clinical programs at Homewood Ravensview.
Spread across a 28-acre site nestled on a forested hilltop near Victoria, Homewood Ravensview has recently launched Canada's first and only treatment program dedicated to anyone 19 and over who may be struggling with their mental health, process addictions or drug and alcohol dependency.
Spread over a nine-week period, the My Path program combines group therapy, one-on-one counselling and a range of therapeutic approaches — including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Unified Protocol (UP) and recreational and expressive therapies such as art, music and horticultural therapies — to help clients build a strong foundation for recovery and personal growth.
This physician-led program is supported by master’s level therapists who help patients develop emotional coping skills, gain personal insights and create strategies to achieve their individual goals. The broader onsite team consists of psychiatrists, addiction physicians, counsellors, a dietician, occupational therapists, horticultural, recreation, art and music therapists, in addition to a 24/7 nursing staff. Optional cultural programming is also available to support healing through an Indigenous lens for those who are interested
The precursors to process addictions that family and loved ones should be mindful of may include: isolation; financial difficulties; fractured relationships amongst friends and family and/or struggling to maintain day-to-day responsibilities at work, school or around the home.
There can also be a link between these behaviours and other, more noticeable mental health symptoms: increased anxiety or depression, or pulling back from previously enjoyed activities.
And as Roberts explains, part of the challenge with process addictions is trying to change behaviours that are so embedded in daily life – take internet use, for example.
“But over time, the brain is able to acknowledge that breathing techniques, yoga practices and healthy communication with family members and peers can feel rewarding too,” she says.
Treatment at Homewood Ravensview offers 24/7 support available across numerous disciplines: nurses, support workers, addiction physicians, psychiatrists and more.
“The amount of comprehensive medical care that clients can access here is typically unheard of in their home communities,” Roberts says. “We help them to navigate questions they may have, immediate mental health needs and the doctors and nurses offer medical care around the clock.”
Find out more about how the My Path program can support young adults at ravensview.com/who-we-help/young-adults.
