Studies indicate that about 21% of all people with a process addiction are addicted to substances or alcohol as well. The symptoms of a process addiction also mimic symptoms of drug or alcohol addiction.
- Thinking about the behavior compulsively
- Continuing the action despite the consequences
- Inability to stop the practice, despite the desire to quit
- Feeling symptoms of withdrawal after cessation, such as depression, restlessness, and irritability
- Denial of the addictive behavior
- Secretiveness surrounding how often and how much of the activities they engage in
- Guilt
Having a process addiction can also increase the chances of a person developing a mental health disorder. Also, people with untreated mental health disorders are more likely to self medicate with substances or addictive behaviors. When someone suffers from addiction and one or more mental health disorders, the condition is called dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders, or comorbidity.
When it comes to process addictions, feelings of guilt after engaging in negative behaviors can fuel or even triggers symptoms of depression and anxiety. When each co-occurring disorder intensifies the signs of the other disorders, it can be challenging to treat any of the conditions. For people with process addictions and comorbidity, it’s crucial that they receive help for both disorders at the same time. Failing to address one disorder can increase the chances of relapse and other adverse health outcomes.