People engage in different activities or behaviors that can be enjoyed in moderation. However, the compulsion to do them repeatedly to maintain the serotonin high it brings could result in behavioral or process addiction.

Behavioral addiction is characterized as the urge to deliberately participate in an activity that could be detrimental to a person’s mental or physical health. Just like being addicted to a substance, the person carries out certain actions at unhealthy levels to produce calming feelings. Some examples of behavioral addiction are compulsive gambling, dating/sex, shopping, and eating. The desire to experience euphoria from the activity becomes so strong that the individual can’t resist engaging in it despite its negative consequences.

Oftentimes, people with behavioral addictions may suffer losses that can be too much to bear. Compulsive behaviors could drive a person into debt, disrupt their ability to function, and break apart relationships. That said, if you or someone you care about has a behavioral disorder, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional.