A Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions

Book excerpt: "The growing prevalence of behavioral addictions makes it clear that the majority of counselors (if not all) will work with clients with addictive behaviors. As such, the author aspired to write a book that would aid in your conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of a variety of behavioral addictions. This book is the culmination of 18 months of investigation into the most current information related to behavioral addictions. Each chapter answers what the author though would be the most meaningful questions for clinical practice: How do I conceptualize it?, How do I identify it?, How do I assess it?, How do I treat it?, and How do I learn more? Eleven behavioral addictions are covered in this text, including: internet gaming addiction, social media addiction, sex addiction, pornography and cybersex addiction, love addiction, gambling addiction, nonsuicidal self-injury, food addiction, exercise addiction, work addiction, and shopping addiction. Although not exhaustive, this list includes many of the most widely accepted behavioral addictions and those that the majority of you will encounter in your clinical practice"--