ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we introduce behavioral addictions to set the stage for the notion of exercise addiction in a broader context. The various forms of behavioral addictions are described briefly to present their commonalities and differences vis-a-vis exercise addiction. We also offer a classification of behavioral addictions with a particular focus on the clarification of the concept of positive addictions. We stress that the idea of positive addiction only refers to a socially acceptable behavior that is as harmful as all other addictions when abused. Then we compare three symptom-based models and highlight the similarities between them. This subsection is followed by a description of behavioral addiction’s etiology, for which a coping-based model is presented. Finally, we make a very brief comparison between substance and behavioral addictions by comparing their shared neurobiological mechanism.
