What is it about?

Since Isaac Marks (1990) introduced the concept of “non-chemical addictions” the field of psychology flourished around the exploration of behavioral addiction. As described in the introductory article (Brandtner et al., 2022), there is growing support of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions targeting affective and cognitive processes in behavioral addictions. This is a particularly important topic because of the existing, and rapidly increasing, prevalence of behavioral addiction in context of heightened emotional vulnerability and the development of products and technology that capitalize on behavioral dependence and emotional craving.

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Why is it important?

There is significant development of mindfulness-based interventions and neurofeedback targeting affective and cognitive processes in behavioral addictions. Psychological science is not only turning towards considering practices that address the problem but also on prevention. The emerging review in this issue suggests substantial promise and is an important step in enhancing treatment, building strengths and reducing mental distress and cravings among people with non-substance addictive behaviors.

Perspectives

While we are observing an increase in behavioral addiction and mental health care needs, there is a simultaneous restriction of resources and access to treatment. With more people in distress and seeking help, there is a considerable strain in the ability of practitioners to provide treatment, which underscores the need to radically change how mental health and behavioral addiction is addressed and treated.

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff
Yeshiva University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Commentary on mindfulness-based techniques for behavioral addiction., Clinical Psychology Science and Practice, December 2022, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/cps0000109.
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