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What Is a Process Addiction?
A process addiction can be just as disruptive as chemical dependency. Understanding how behaviors hijack the brain's reward system is the first step toward reclaiming control of your life.
When most people hear the word “addiction,” they immediately think of drugs or alcohol. But at Vanity Wellness Center, we work with a lot of people who are struggling with something a bit more subtle, but just as powerful: Process Addiction. Essentially, a process addiction is when you become hooked on a specific behavior rather than a substance.
The Science of the Behavioral High
Think of your brain’s reward system like a circuit. When you do something rewarding, your brain releases dopamine. Clinical experts at the National Institutes of Health explain that for someone with a process addiction, a behavior like gambling or compulsive shopping acts like a key in a lock. Over time, your brain starts to crave that specific “click” more than anything else.
Treating the Underlying “Why”
At our locations in Woodland Hills, including our main center on Ventura Blvd and our residential homes on Lubao Ave and Cody Rd, we treat these behaviors with the same intensity as substance use. We help clients identify the emotional triggers—like anxiety or loneliness—that drive the compulsive behavior, ensuring a path toward holistic healing.
Recovery in Woodland Hills, CA
The good news is that the brain can be retrained. Through our residential treatment and outpatient programs, we provide a safe space in Woodland Hills to disconnect from the harmful behavior and reconnect with yourself. We don’t just focus on stopping the action; we focus on building a life where you no longer feel the need to escape into a process addiction.
Find Balance with Vanity Wellness Center
If you feel like a certain habit has taken the driver’s seat in your life, know that there is a way to take the wheel back. Our team in Woodland Hills, CA is ready to help you navigate the complexities of behavioral health. Reach out to Vanity Wellness Center today, and let’s start working toward a healthier, more balanced version of you.