Behavioural Addiction Treatment - Inpatient Programme

Confidential inpatient treatment of behavioural addictions conducted under psychiatric and psychotherapeutic supervision. Therapy is focused on psychological stabilisation, identification of compulsive mechanisms and long-term change of behavioural patterns in a clinical setting.

Zeus Detox & Rehab is located near Warsaw, Poland, and provides inpatient treatment for both domestic and international patients. Our clinical team communicates in multiple languages and supports patients from across Europe and beyond throughout the entire treatment process.

What are behavioural addictions

Behavioural addictions are psychiatric disorders characterised by persistent, compulsive engagement in specific activities despite awareness of their negative consequences. Unlike substance addictions, they do not involve the use of psychoactive substances - instead they involve behaviours that activate the brain's reward system in a way that creates dependency.

From a clinical standpoint, behavioural addictions activate the same brain structures as substance addictions. Dysregulation of the reward system occurs alongside impaired impulse control and a weakening of inhibitory mechanisms. The behaviour ceases to serve as a source of pleasure and becomes instead a means of regulating emotions, tension and stress - repeated compulsively despite psychological, relational and occupational harm.

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, aggressive behaviour disproportionate to the situation, or a state in which the patient is unable to ensure their own safety. In any life-threatening or health-threatening situation, emergency services should be contacted immediately by calling 112 or 999.

Symptoms of behavioural addictions

Psychological symptoms

• loss of control over the behaviour
• intense tension or anxiety before performing the activity
• temporary relief after performing it
• feelings of guilt, shame or emptiness
• low mood, anxiety, irritability

Behavioural and social symptoms

• neglect of work, relationships and responsibilities
• concealing the extent of the behaviour
• family and financial conflicts
• social isolation
• increasing difficulties in day-to-day functioning

Types of behavioural addiction treated at Zeus Detox & Rehab

Our inpatient programme covers the following behavioural addictions:

Behavioural addiction treatment at Zeus Detox & Rehab

Treatment is provided exclusively in an inpatient setting under continuous psychiatric and psychotherapeutic supervision. The therapeutic process begins with an in-depth clinical assessment covering symptom history, compulsive mechanisms and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Care is delivered in a discreet clinical environment with full respect for the patient's privacy and dignity. The treatment plan is individual and adjusted in accordance with the course of therapy and the clinical response.

Behavioural addiction treatment is an integral part of our broader inpatient addiction therapy programme. Where clinically indicated, treatment may be preceded by medically supervised detox.

Stages of behavioural addiction treatment

Treatment at Zeus Detox & Rehab typically proceeds through three main clinical stages:

When inpatient behavioural addiction treatment is indicated

Inpatient treatment may be appropriate for individuals presenting with loss of control over compulsive behaviour, significant impact on professional or family life, co-occurring anxiety, depressive disorders or impulsivity, ineffectiveness of outpatient treatment, high risk of relapse, or a need for structure and psychological stabilisation.

A different level of care is required in the case of an acute life-threatening condition requiring closed hospitalisation, or absence of consent or readiness for inpatient treatment. Every case is assessed individually.

Inpatient treatment focuses on medical stabilisation, mental health assessment and intensive therapeutic work in the acute or advanced phase of the disorder. It does not replace long-term outpatient treatment and does not guarantee specific clinical outcomes. Aftercare planning forms an integral part of the therapeutic process.