In looking at the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders, many clinicians and researchers believe that these criteria could be applied to behaviors outside of substance use to classify other addictive behaviors.

In looking at the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders, many clinicians and researchers believe that these criteria could be applied to behaviors outside of substance use to classify other addictive behaviors. To this end, gambling disorder was added as a diagnostic classification in the DSM-5. Imagine that you are on the next DSM revision committee. What addictive behavior (not including substance use or gambling) would you lobby to include as a diagnostic classification? Explain your reasoning for including this addictive behavior. Use your textbook and the Argosy University online library resources to support your position.

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Introduction

Any activity, substance, object, or behavior that has become the major focus of a person’s life to the exclusion of other activities, or that has begun to harm the individual or others physically, mentally, or socially is considered an addictive behavior. A person can become addicted, dependent, or compulsively obsessed with anything.  Some researchers imply that there are similarities between physical addiction to various chemicals, such as alcohol and heroin, and psychological dependence to activities such as compulsive gambling, sex, work, running, shopping, or eating disorders. It is thought that these behavior activities may produce beta-endorphins in the brain, which makes the person feel “high.”  Some experts suggest that if a person continues to engage in the activity to achieve this feeling of well-being and euphoria, he/she may get into an addictive cycle. In so doing, he/she becomes physically addicted to his/her own brain chemicals, thus leading to continuation of the behavior even though it may have negative health or social consequences. Others feel that these are just bad habits.Most physical addictions to substances such as alcohol, heroin, or barbiturates also have a psychological component. For example, an alcoholic who has not used alcohol for years may still crave a drink. Thus some researchers feel that we need to look at both physical and psychological dependencies upon a variety of substances, activities, and behaviors as an addictive process and as addictive behaviors. They suggest………

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