When Does a Habit Become an Addiction? | Addiction Treatment in Hyderabad
- Manaha Clinic
- 10 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Most addictions do not begin as addictions.
They begin as coping.
A drink to relax.
A game to unwind.
Scrolling to distract.
Work to avoid uncomfortable feelings.
Over time, what once felt voluntary can begin to feel necessary.
In a recent 10-minute video conversation, Dr Jyothirmayi Kotipalli, Founder & Chief Psychiatrist at Manaha Clinic, discusses the difference between a habit and an addiction, in conversation with Dr Rafath.
Watch the full video here:
What Is the Difference Between a Habit and an Addiction?
A habit is a repeated behaviour we can stop when we decide to.
An addiction involves:
Loss of control
Cravings or compulsive urges
Continued behaviour despite harm
Emotional distress when unable to engage
The transition is rarely dramatic. It is gradual, subtle, and often normalised — especially in today’s digital environment.
Early Warning Signs of Addiction
Many individuals seek help only when consequences become severe. However, early signs often include:
Increasing time spent on the behaviour
Irritability when interrupted
Secrecy or defensiveness
Failed attempts to cut down
Impact on academics, work, or relationships
Recognising these patterns early significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Behavioural and Digital Addictions in Adolescents and Adults
Addiction today extends beyond alcohol and substances.
Modern behavioural addictions include:
Gaming addiction
Screen and social media overuse
Gambling
Pornography and intimacy-related compulsions
Food-related behavioural patterns
Work or performance addiction
Repeated dopamine stimulation reinforces compulsive loops, particularly in adolescents and young adults whose brains are still developing.
Why Early Awareness Matters
Many individuals and families seek help only when the consequences become severe.
However, early signs often include:
Increasing time spent on the activity
Irritability when interrupted
Secrecy or defensiveness
Failed attempts to cut down
Impact on academics, work, or relationships
Recognising these patterns early significantly improves treatment outcomes.
When to Seek Professional Help
It may be time to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist if:
The behaviour feels difficult to control
It continues despite negative consequences
It is used primarily to regulate distress
There is co-existing anxiety, depression, or mood instability
At Manaha Clinic, we approach addiction from a holistic and evidence-based framework, combining:
Psychiatric evaluation
Psychologist-led clinical assessments
Behavioural therapy
Family counselling
Advanced interventions such as rTMS / neuromodulation where clinically appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction
How do I know if I need addiction treatment?
If you find it difficult to stop despite wanting to, or if the behaviour is affecting your work, academics, relationships, or emotional health, a professional evaluation is recommended. Early assessment helps prevent escalation and long-term complications.
Can behavioural addictions be treated without medication?
In many cases, structured psychotherapy, behavioural strategies, and psychological interventions are highly effective — especially in behavioural addictions such as gaming or screen overuse.
However, treatment is individualised. When addiction is severe, or when it co-exists with depression, anxiety, mood instability, or withdrawal symptoms, medication may be clinically appropriate. A psychiatrist determines this based on a comprehensive evaluation.
When are medications used in addiction treatment?
Medications may be used to:
Reduce cravings
Manage withdrawal symptoms
Stabilise mood
Treat co-occurring psychiatric conditions
The goal is not dependency on medication, but stabilisation that supports recovery and therapy.
Is rTMS effective for addiction?
In selected cases, especially where addiction co-exists with depression, rTMS may help reduce cravings and improve mood regulation. Treatment suitability is determined after psychiatric evaluation.
Is addiction treatment confidential?
Yes. All consultations and clinical assessments at Manaha Clinic are confidential and conducted with sensitivity and discretion.
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