title: Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Behavioral science experts believe that all entities capable of stimulating a person can be addictive; and whenever a habit changes into an obligation, it can be considered as an addiction. Researchers also believe that there are a number of similarities as well as some differences between drug addiction and behavioral addiction diagnostic symptoms. The purpose of this study is to consider different approaches in this field.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a descriptive research using content analysis method. First, differences and similarities of various perspectives on addiction and addiction behavior in different substances were obtained, thereafter, the data was coded and categorized, subjects were discussed and major issues were extracted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Behavioral addiction such as internet addiction is similar to drug addiction except that in the former, the individual is not addicted to a substance but the behavior or the feeling brought about by the relevant action. In addition, the physical signs of drug addiction, are absent in behavioral addiction. Others have stated that behaviorally addicted individuals have certain symptoms and will undergo the same consequences brought about by addiction to alcohol and drugs as well as other obsessive behaviors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Similar to substance abuse prevention, programs aimed at addicted individuals and specialized training can educate adolescents about the warning signs of online addiction, in order to assist the early detection of this disorder. For prevention of behavioral addiction (such as internet addiction) authorities, cultural institutions and parents should monitor the use of internet and teach to the adolescent and children, the useful and appropriate methods of internet use.
authors.affiliation: Master of Science in Psychology, Management and Medical Informatics Faculty of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyyed Salman
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Alavi
authors.forename: Masoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferdosi
authors.forename: Fereshte
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Jannatifard
authors.forename: Mehdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eslami
authors.forename: Hamed
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Alaghemandan
authors.forename: Mehrdad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Setare