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Abstract

Behavioral addictions, characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding non-substance-related behaviors, present a growing challenge in mental health and addiction research. Unlike substance addictions, which involve psychoactive substances, behavioral addictions such as gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder, and compulsive shopping, manifest through repeated behaviors that activate the brain's reward system. This review explores the neurobiological underpinnings of behavioral addictions, focusing on similarities and differences compared to substance addictions. Key neurobiological mechanisms include dysregulation of reward processing pathways, such as the mesolimbic dopamine system, and alterations in executive control functions mediated by prefrontal cortical regions. Research highlights overlapping neural correlates between behavioral and substance addictions, suggesting shared vulnerabilities and mechanisms of compulsivity. These findings underscore the complex interplay between genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and neuroplastic changes in the development and maintenance of behavioral addictions.