What Are Behavioural Addictions? Behavioural addictions are patterns in which a person feels a strong urge to keep doing an activity, such as gaming, gambling, or using a phone, and finds it hard to stop even when it starts to affect their health, studies, work, or relationships. Unlike substance addiction, no substance is involved. The pull comes from the activity itself. It is a health concern, not a lack of willpower. Screen and Mobile Addiction: Screen and mobile addiction is one of the most common behavioural addictions today. It can involve social media, video games, streaming, or constant phone checking. Example: A student picks up their phone 'for five minutes' and looks up two hours later. Their sleep slips, their grades drop, and they feel restless and irritable when the phone is out of reach. Common Signs: Spending far more time on screens than intended Feeling restless, anxious, or irritable without the phone Difficulty cutting down despite trying Poor sleep, tiredness, or headaches from late-night screen use Falling behind on studies or work Pulling away from family, friends, and offline activities Why It Happens Apps and games are designed to keep us engaged, with alerts, rewards, and endless scrolling. For many people, screens also become a way to escape stress, loneliness, anxiety, or low mood. Treating the underlying cause helps the habit ease. Treatment Options: Change is possible, and most people do well with the right support: Assessment — to understand the pattern of use and any stress, anxiety, or low mood behind it CBT therapy — helps identify triggers, change unhelpful thoughts, and build healthier habits Counselling for teenagers and young adults — a supportive space that does not judge Family guidance — helps parents set healthy limits with understanding, not conflict Practical steps — screen-free times, a calm bedtime routine, and replacing screen time with activities that matter to you Regular follow-up — progress is gradual, and steady support helps Support at Swasthya, Nashik Swasthya Mental Health Clinic offers counselling, CBT therapy, and support for stress, overthinking, and sleep problems in Nashik, including for teenagers and young adults affected by screen and mobile use. 📞 Call us to book a consultation 📍 Visit us in Nashik