The Problem of Behavioural Addictions in the Work of a Social Worker

The term “behavioural addictions” has been taken over to define a form of disorders which are not connected with taking psychoactive substances, but with the need to perform and repeat certain activities. Behavioural addictions − which are included in the category of the so-called aesthetic addictions − have not been included in the classification of mental diseases and disorders so far (DSM, ICD). Nevertheless, based on the currently existing research and scientific contributions regarding this phenomenon it is justified to refer to this category of behaviours as addictions. This article responds to the increasing need of providing the elementary knowledge with its application value to the staff of social assistance units as well institutions and organisations dealing with social assistance and work who more and more often meet and will be meeting people in their work who show disorders in this area of behaviours. The document contains the information about stages of work with a behaviourally addicted person and also indicates working methods most frequently recommended in support actions dedicated to that group of customers.