Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena

Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...

Drug Dependence

Drug Dependence

Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...

Behaviorism

Behaviorism

The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...

Behavior Modification

Behavior Modification

Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Problems of self-concept in a patient sample of hypersexual men with attention-deficit disorder.

Journal of addiction medicine·2011

Same author

Self-reported differences on measures of executive function and hypersexual behavior in a patient and community sample of men.

The International journal of neuroscience·2010

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats

Published on: February 20, 2019

Behavioral addictions: an overview.

Reef Karim¹, Priya Chaudhri

¹UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Reef@doctorreef.com

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

|May 31, 2012

Summary

Nonsubstance addictions, like gambling and internet use, involve impaired impulse control. Treatment for these behavioral addictions may differ from traditional substance abuse therapies.

Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Neuroscience
Behavioral Science

Background:

Increasing reports of impaired impulse control symptoms highlight the growing concern around nonsubstance addictions.
Compulsive behaviors encompass a wide range, including gambling, eating, sex, shopping, internet/videogame use, exercising, working, and even romantic relationships.
The controversial nature of these conditions stems from the fact that many involve daily rituals essential for survival, leading to debate in diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current data on nonsubstance addictions, covering epidemiology, neurobiology, and treatment options.
To explore the similarities and differences between the neurobiological underpinnings of behavioral addictions and substance use disorders.
To provide a comprehensive overview of various behavioral addictions, including impulse control disorders, process addictions, and impulsive-compulsive behaviors.

More Related Videos

Comprehensive Analysis of Transcription Dynamics from Brain Samples Following Behavioral Experience

Comprehensive Analysis of Transcription Dynamics from Brain Samples Following Behavioral Experience

Published on: August 26, 2014

A Procedure to Study Stress-Induced Relapse of Heroin Seeking after Punishment-Imposed Abstinence

A Procedure to Study Stress-Induced Relapse of Heroin Seeking after Punishment-Imposed Abstinence

Published on: March 23, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 21, 2026

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats

Published on: February 20, 2019

Comprehensive Analysis of Transcription Dynamics from Brain Samples Following Behavioral Experience

Comprehensive Analysis of Transcription Dynamics from Brain Samples Following Behavioral Experience

Published on: August 26, 2014

A Procedure to Study Stress-Induced Relapse of Heroin Seeking after Punishment-Imposed Abstinence

A Procedure to Study Stress-Induced Relapse of Heroin Seeking after Punishment-Imposed Abstinence

Published on: March 23, 2022

Main Methods:

Systematic literature review of studies on nonsubstance addictions.
Analysis of epidemiological data to understand prevalence and risk factors.
Examination of neurobiological research on reward processing in behavioral addictions.
Review of current treatment modalities for various behavioral addictions.

Main Results:

Research indicates parallels between the reward pathways involved in natural rewards and those affected by drug use.
Clinical evidence suggests that treatment approaches for behavioral conditions may need to be distinct from those used for substance use disorders.
The review synthesizes data across multiple behavioral addictions, offering a unified perspective.

Conclusions:

Nonsubstance addictions represent a significant area of clinical and research interest, characterized by impaired impulse control.
While neurobiological similarities exist with substance use disorders, effective treatment for behavioral addictions may require tailored interventions.
Further research is needed to refine diagnostic criteria and optimize therapeutic strategies for the diverse range of behavioral addictions.