When most people think about addiction, the first thing that comes to mind is generally substance misuse. Drug and alcohol addiction, in other words. However, there is an entirely different category of addiction known as process addictions or behavioral addictions.  This Cottonwood Tuscon article explores process addictions, their potential impact on your well-being, and how...Read More

Internet Addiction Internet addiction does not involve substances that one ingests nor does it involve compulsive shopping, eating disorders, or other process addictions.  This does not minimize the effects of an Internet addiction.  This addiction is not listed in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) but is seen...Read More

Do You Have An Addiction to Social Media? Today it is rare to see a person without a phone, iPad, or computer nearby.  Thirty years ago, there was no such thing as texting, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or even an Internet connection.  Now, most homes have an Internet connection and some have multiple forms of communication...Read More

Internet addiction is characterized by a compulsive desire to participate in online activities, whether through social networks, gambling or gaming, shopping, or watching video. Although internet addiction has not yet been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, psychologists and counselors are increasingly of the opinion that it is as real an...Read More

“Internet use disorder” is not a listed mental disorder in the fifth edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, often referred to as the DSM-V what is largely considered to be the ultimate reference for mental health. However, other chronic compulsive behavioral issues like sex addiction, video game addiction, and spending addiction also aren’t...Read More

Human beings’ reliance on technology is a growing concern among many in the field of both psychology and addiction. You need only take a look around to see examples of technology grabbing hold of people, and in effect changing how we communicate with one another. There was a time when you could sit at the...Read More

Checking-in for addiction treatment… Checking-in for addiction treatment and/or co-occurring disorders is often a shock to one’s system. The day for check-in frequently occurs after coming to terms with oneself, family members and/or employer that now is the time to get sober and deal with any other mental health issues that may yet to be...Read More

Headlines are buzzing about the DSM-5 If you have been reading the mental health headlines over the past couple of days, then for sure you have seen at least one headline dealing with the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) final approval of the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). According...Read More

Internet Addiction Rose Hoban’s article titled Internet Addiction: Latest Obsession brings up an interesting topic that is indeed emerging as a challenge for behavioral health professionals. In that article Hoban references Psychologist Louise Nadeau’s statement that “addiction is marked by two phenomena…the first is that a person has a behavior he or she can’t control”,...Read More