Behavioral addictions are similar to substance or alcohol addictions except that the pa- tient is not addicted to a drug or alcohol but he/she is addicted to the behavior or the feeling experienced by that distinct behavior. In these patients there is a compulsion to engage in a rewarding behavior. They create problems in many areas of the patients and lead to real problems in their lives, functioning, and relationships. Gambling disorder, food addictions, online gaming and social media addictions, cryptocurrency and trading addictions, shopping addiction, exercise and work addiction, sex and porn addiction are the prominent behavioral addictions. In these situations behaviors are used as a self-medications like substances and alcohol to cope with stress and anxiety. Behavioral addictions have similarities to substance addictions and these behaviors are said to be effective in producing short term rewards in these patients. In behavioral addictions there is a difficulty in resisting an impulse or drive and they are characterized by a recurrent pattern of behavior.

In this book several types of behavioral addictions are addressed and prevalence, diag- nosis, clinical features, differences, and treatments are discussed. The main goal is to inform readers about gambling disorder, food addictions, online gaming and social media addictions, cryptocurrency and trading addictions, shopping addiction, exercise and work addiction, sex and porn addiction. It is targeted to emphasize the importance of behavioral addictions among psychiatric and behavioral disorders that have higher prevalences in population than expected.

Behavioral addictions often co-occur with psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress. They can also exacerbate existing psychiatric problems. The importance of their negative effect on relationships due to neglect, dishonesty, or financial problems cannot be ignored. The similarities in the etiology of substance dependence and behavioral addictions may make it easier to develop effective treatment strategies. Behavioral addictions, such as compulsive internet use or gaming, can lead to sedentary lifestyles, poor sleep, and health problems like obesity or cardiovascular issues. On the other hand identification of risk factors and early signs can help prevent the development of behavioral addictions.

This book is important as a quickly accessible source on behavioral addictions. I hope it will contribute to all physicians interested in behavioral addiction.

Prof. Dr. Behçet Coşar
Department of Psychiatry, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine,
Ankara, Türkiye