Finding Hope and Support for Behavioural Addiction Recovery

What Are Behavioural Addictions?

Behavioural addictions involve repeated actions that feel difficult to control, even when they begin to cause harm. These behaviours often start as ways to cope with stress, emotional pain, loneliness, or overwhelming life circumstances.

Common forms of behavioural addiction include:

• Gambling

• Internet or online gaming

• Compulsive spending or shopping

• Pornography use

• Sex addiction

• Love addiction

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone — and help is available. Recovery is possible.

Understanding Behavioural Addiction

Behavioural addiction is not a moral failure or a lack of willpower. It is a complex condition shaped by many factors, including:

• Brain reward and habit systems

• Difficulties managing emotions

• Stress, trauma, grief, or loneliness

• Social and environmental influences

Many people genuinely want to stop but feel stuck, especially when the behaviour has become their main way of coping. Understanding this is often the first step toward healing.

Signs That Extra Support May Be Helpful

Everyone’s journey is different, but you may want to seek support if you notice:

• Difficulty controlling or stopping the behaviour

• Using the behaviour to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional pain

• Feelings of secrecy, shame, or guilt

• Strain on relationships, work, finances, or overall wellbeing

• Repeated attempts to stop that don’t last

Recognising these signs early allows for earlier, gentler intervention.

Types of Support Available

-Professional Support

Trained professionals can help you address both the behaviour and the underlying emotional needs. Support may include:

• Counsellors, psychologists, or therapists experienced in behavioural addiction

• Individual, couples, or family counselling

• Trauma-informed and recovery-focused approaches

Professional help provides a safe, non-judgmental space for healing.

-Support Groups

Peer support can be a powerful part of recovery. Support groups offer:

• Shared experiences and encouragement

• Reduced isolation and shame

• Practical coping strategies and hope

If you are interested in joining a support group, please call 6547 1011.

Support for Families and Partners

Behavioural addiction affects not only the individual but also those who care about them. Partners and family members deserve care and support too.

Support may include:

• Education about addiction and recovery

• Guidance on healthy boundaries

• Counselling for partners, caregivers, or family members

If you are supporting someone with a behavioural addiction, remember:

• You did not cause the addiction

• Your feelings are valid

• Seeking help for yourself is an act of care, not selfishness

You may reach us at 6547 1011 or email help@onehopecentre.org for support.

Digital Well-Being & Self-Help Tools

Some people find additional support through tools such as:

• Screen-time, spending, or habit-tracking apps

• Mindfulness or grounding exercises

• Recovery journals or reflection tools

These can help build awareness and accountability, especially when used alongside professional or peer support.

Where to Seek Help

Recovery does not mean being perfect.

It means taking steps forward — with support, learning, patience, and compassion.

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure.

If you or someone you care about is struggling, you don’t have to face this alone.

You may reach out to us at:

• Tel: 6547 1011

• Email: help@onehopecentre.org

We are here to listen and support you.