Anything that becomes an obligation rather than voluntary is considered an addiction. Therefore, we have behavioral addiction which is somewhat different from drug addiction. Behavioral addiction is seen as a habit that becomes an obligation.
Some who voluntarily gambled or watch television before, but now feels a constant uncontrollable urge to do those things is considered an addiction.
So, addiction goes beyond the consumption of a particular substance or alcohol. Dependence on the internet, gambling or television can be classified as addiction.
Behavioral addiction as similarities with substance addiction in that the person feels mandated to go that thing or consume that drug.
It is also similar in that the person cannot control his/her use of that drug or activity. But there are differences between substance addiction and behavioral addiction.

Although both types of addiction involve constant reliance on the activity or drug and the domination of their life by these activities. Some differences include;
- Use of Substances
While substance addiction involves the physical consumption of drugs or alcohol, there is no such consumption in behavioral addiction. You do not drink or intake anything in behavioral addiction, but activities are involved.
- Easy Access
Unlike substance addiction where the person still needs to buy drugs or alcohol, behavioral addiction is easily more accessible. You have easy access to television; you also have easy access to the internet. So, it is easily to get addicted in behavioral addiction than in substance addiction.
- Treatment Program
Although there are similarities in the treatment programs of both addictions, there are slight differences.
Since the behavioral addiction relates more to behavior than physical consumption. The treatment relates more to mental, emotional, and behavioral evaluation.
In summary, addictions are similar because they are even an individual overly dependent, emotional and socially damaged.
But still various types of addictions have slight differences as explained here. Especially when it relates to treatment programs, they are tailored towards individual types of addiction.