Behavioural Addiction Therapy - Inpatient Programme

Behavioural addiction therapy provided in inpatient treatment conditions under the supervision of a clinical team. Treatment is directed at psychological stabilisation, identification of compulsive mechanisms and long-term behavioural change.

Part of our inpatient addiction therapy.

What are behavioural addictions

Behavioural addictions are psychiatric disorders characterised by entrenched, compulsive engagement in specific activities despite negative health, psychological, social or occupational consequences. Unlike substance addictions, the mechanism of addiction relates to behaviour rather than the ingestion of a chemical agent. The basis of the disorder is loss of control, escalating psychological tension and an inability to stop the behaviour despite awareness of its harmfulness.

When urgent medical attention is required

Urgent medical attention is required if a psychological crisis arises involving suicidal ideation, intent to self-harm, loss of contact with reality, symptoms of acute psychosis, severe disorientation, rapid escalation of anxiety or agitation, or a state in which the patient is unable to ensure their own safety. In any life-threatening situation, call 112 or 999 immediately.

Clinical mechanisms of behavioural addictions

Behavioural addictions are associated with disturbances in emotional regulation and the functioning of the reward system. Compulsive behaviour frequently serves to reduce tension, escape difficult emotions, regulate mood or compensate for emotional or relational deficits. Over time, behaviours escalate, periods of control shorten, feelings of shame and guilt intensify, and anxiety or depressive symptoms deepen.

Types of behavioural addictions treated

Behavioural addiction therapy at Zeus Detox & Rehab

At Zeus Detox & Rehab, behavioural addiction therapy is provided in inpatient treatment conditions, in a safe and controlled clinical environment. Treatment is delivered by an interdisciplinary team comprising physicians, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and medical staff.

Therapeutic process

Each patient undergoes an initial assessment including a psychiatric interview, assessment of compulsive mechanisms, analysis of co-occurring psychiatric disorders and clinical risk evaluation. The treatment process includes individual therapy, work on emotional regulation, identification of triggers for compulsive behaviours, learning impulse control strategies, and elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy. Where clinical indications are present, parallel psychiatric care is provided, including diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders.

Behavioural addictions and co-occurring disorders

Behavioural addictions very frequently co-occur with anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, personality disorders and prior substance addictions. The treatment model takes these relationships into account and does not limit itself solely to work on the behaviour itself.

Clinical qualification

Therapy may be appropriate for individuals with loss of control over compulsive behaviours, ineffective outpatient treatment, co-occurring psychiatric disorders, or when the behaviour is affecting family life, professional functioning or mental health.

Inpatient therapy may not be appropriate as the sole form of treatment without readiness for therapeutic work, in acute psychiatric states requiring closed hospitalisation, or without individual clinical qualification.