Addiction

Addiction

Compulsive behaviors and addiction can take many forms, from hours lost in online gaming, binge-watching TV shows, and scrolling through social media to more concerning behaviors like binge eating or excessive pornography use. While these activities might start off as a way to unwind or cope with stress, they can quickly spiral into something much bigger.

For adolescents, these behaviors can be particularly tempting, offering an outlet for social interaction or a break from academic pressures. Yet, excessive time spent online can lead to isolation, sleep disturbances, and difficulties in maintaining real-life relationships. Adults, too, may find themselves losing hours to compulsive behaviors as a way to deal with stress, anxiety, or even boredom, while older adults might turn to these behaviors to cope with loneliness or grief.