Introduction to Behavioral Addiction and Purpose of the Book

Behavioral addictions are becoming increasingly common. Society is inundated with social problems such as compulsive hoarding, addiction to food and severe obesity as a result, sex addiction, gambling, and technology addictions. Smart phones and social media have taken a psychological toll on young adults and adolescents with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and dependency on smart devices. Research is emerging and on the rise in areas of exercise addiction, technology-fueled addiction, gaming addiction, and even compulsive hoarding and eating disorders. We see TV shows that highlight hoarding addiction in the popular TV series “Hoarders,” as well as food addiction in the TV series “My 600 lb life.” It is no secret that addiction rates in the behavioral sciences is on the rise while our scientific understanding remains in the infancy stage. This book attempts to provide a brief introduction to some of the most common behavioral addictions, using the biopsychosocial paradigm.

This book is being created to enhance learning for those that desire more information in this particular area of the behavioral sciences. Behavioral addiction covers academic and research areas to include the fields of psychology, counseling, neuroscience, behavioral science, and emerging research using the biopsychosocial paradigm. This book can be used as an introductory source for behavioral addiction information for community colleges or 4-year universities. The author provides an overview of the most common behavioral addictions, supplemental resources, video’s, and critical thinking questions to engage the learner into higher levels of thought.

Yours in education,

Dr. Tonya Holdaway