Abstract:
The question of whether behaviours can be addictive in the
same sense as psychoactive substances has been debated in
psychology for some time. Increased understanding of the
brain reward system tends to support this notion. The way in
which behaviours may modulate that system, coupled with
self-report and behavioural analysis, suggests three
characteristics of substances or behaviours that may lead to
addictions. The reward system must register a relatively rapid
and substantial improvement in hedonic state, the user
unable to find alternative ways of obtaining this
improvement, and the performance of the addictive behaviour
leads to maladaptive functioning and a state of chronic
dysphoria. Cognitive and social factors may also influence
che development and maintenance of addiction.
