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Everyone deals with emotions in their own way, and some coping strategies, while initially providing relief, can become problematic. Behaviours like gambling, excessive video gaming, compulsive sexual activity, or internet use may offer short-term comfort, but over time, they can evolve into addictive patterns. These behaviours can interfere with daily activities, disrupt relationships, and negatively impact work or personal life. Many individuals find themselves unable to stop, even when they want to, leading to what is known as behavioural addiction. This type of addiction is now treated in a similar manner to substance addiction.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with a behavioural addiction, the compassionate therapists and clinical team at The Beekeeper are ready to support you. Our diverse therapeutic approach is designed to effectively treat process and behavioural addictions. The best time to seek help is now—reach out to us today.
Unlike substance use disorders, where individuals develop a dependence on substances like alcohol or drugs, behavioural addiction (also known as process addiction) involves a reliance on specific behaviours. People become addicted to the rewarding feelings these behaviours provide, which can begin to interfere with everyday life, including work, school, and social relationships. There are various types of behavioural addictions, and it’s essential to take a comprehensive approach to treatment to address and resolve the underlying causes.
Some of the most common behavioural addictions that we treat at The Beekeeper Sri Lanka include, but are not limited to:
Behavioural Addictions That We Treat
Gambling addiction is the only behavioural addiction recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It occurs when a person has an uncontrollable urge to gamble, despite the negative consequences. Over time, the individual may face significant financial struggles due to their losses, which can disrupt their personal and professional life, affecting relationships and work performance.
Food addiction happens when an individual loses control over their eating habits, particularly with foods rich in fat, sugar, or salt. Research indicates that food can activate the brain’s reward system in a similar way to addictive substances like heroin or cocaine. Those struggling with food addiction may continue to overeat, even when they are aware of the negative consequences.
Shopping addiction, also referred to as oniomania or compulsive buying, occurs when an individual makes purchases to boost their mood or escape negative emotions. Despite having no real need for the items, or even buying things beyond their financial means, the compulsion persists. This can result in significant relationship challenges and financial problems.
Sex addiction arises when an individual becomes consumed by thoughts of sex, engages in risky or inappropriate sexual behaviours, or has extramarital affairs. It can also involve excessive consumption of pornography or engaging in online or phone sex. Those affected by sex addiction may face significant challenges in their relationships and at work, leading to negative impacts on multiple areas of their lives.
Internet addiction develops when an individual spends excessive time online or on social media, relying on it as a way to manage stress and emotions. This dependence can consume several hours a day, disrupting other important daily tasks. Individuals with internet addiction may also experience a growing tolerance to online use and may exhibit withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or irritability, when they are unable to access the internet.
Similar to internet addiction, video game addiction occurs when individuals spend excessive time playing games, often for several hours a day. This addiction is especially prevalent among players of Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), which are more immersive and socially engaging than other types of games. Video game addiction can negatively affect academic performance, disrupt sleep patterns, and lead to overall health issues.
Recognizing the signs of a process addiction is essential to differentiate between harmful, addictive behaviours and normal activities.
Signs of a process addiction include:
Struggling to reduce or stop the behaviour.
Continuing the behaviour despite its negative consequences.
Prioritising the behaviour over important responsibilities, like work, school, or family commitments.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cease the behaviour.
Becoming dependent on the behaviour to feel “normal” or manage emotions throughout the day.
Spending a large amount of time thinking about, engaging in, or recovering from the effects of the behaviour.
Because behavioural addictions and substance use disorders share many similarities, they are often addressed with similar treatment approaches. These typically include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and 12-step programs. Additionally, we incorporate holistic health methods and complementary therapies to support not just your mental well-being, but your overall health and recovery as well.
We utilise techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy (MCBT), and a 12-Step framework to help you gain insight into the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behavioural addiction. Additionally, we employ motivational enhancement strategies, motivational interviewing, and 12-step self-help programs to support your recovery journey.
Indulge in meals crafted by our award-winning chef, who is also a certified nutritionist. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in the early stages of recovery, helping to nourish your body, mind, and spirit for long-term success.
We provide a variety of recreational activities designed to rejuvenate your body and spirit, such as yoga, massages, cycling, personal training, martial arts, and mountain hiking.
At our rehab centre, every client is guided in the practice of meditation. Daily schedules include dedicated times for therapy, mindfulness, physical activities, and excursions, ensuring a well-rounded recovery experience.
At The Beekeeper, our primary focus is to help you recognize and harness your strengths, empowering you to address your addiction and regain control over your daily life and routines.
Spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to support healing for various mental health conditions. At The Beekeeper, we encourage our clients to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of our surrounding forests, lakes, and rivers, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
Throughout treatment, you will cultivate the essential skills needed to recognize and address addictive or problematic behaviours. Gaining the ability to identify and manage these challenges is a vital and empowering aspect of your recovery journey.
Residential (or inpatient) behavioural addiction treatment is widely regarded as the most effective method for overcoming addictions and initiating meaningful life changes. This form of treatment allows you to focus entirely on your recovery, free from distractions or temptations to revert to addictive behaviours. At our Sri Lanka-based addiction centre, we design a structured daily schedule that includes therapy, mindfulness practices, physical exercise, and excursions, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced treatment approach.
South Asia’s leading treatment centre
Residential (or inpatient) behavioural addiction treatment is widely regarded as the most effective method for overcoming addictions and initiating meaningful life changes. This form of treatment allows you to focus entirely on your recovery, free from distractions or temptations to revert to addictive behaviours. At our Sri Lanka-based addiction centre, we design a structured daily schedule that includes therapy, mindfulness practices, physical exercise, and excursions, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced treatment approach.
South Asia’s leading treatment centre
Our behavioural addiction centre is set in the peaceful hills of Pasyala, Sri Lanka’s Western province. Renowned for its natural beauty, this serene location offers the perfect environment for recovery and renewal, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Perched atop a private hill, our wellness and recovery retreat is enveloped by hundreds of acres of lush jungle and mixed plantations, ensuring ultimate seclusion and tranquillity.
The centre boasts luxurious private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, a 60-foot swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a relaxing spa, and a spacious Shala for yoga and meditation. Our dedicated therapists are expertly trained to enhance not only your mental health but also your overall well-being. At our Sri Lanka rehab facility, the client is always at the heart of our care. Behavioural addiction is often misunderstood, and our highly skilled clinical team employs specialised techniques to address these underlying patterns. By utilising an eclectic mix of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we create bespoke programs tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.
Before embarking on your journey to Sri Lanka, our admissions team will assist you in completing all required paperwork and meeting entry criteria. Our residential Process Addiction Rehab and Behavioural Addiction Treatment programs in Sri Lanka require a minimum 35-day stay. During this time, you will engage in a structured treatment plan that incorporates evidence-based clinical psychology methods, mindfulness practices, and other therapeutic techniques to address and overcome your process addiction.
Holistic therapy offers a unique opportunity to connect with yourself in ways you may not have experienced before. It helps you discover your inner strengths and resources, providing deeper insights into the root causes of your mental health challenges. With this understanding, you can begin to address the underlying factors contributing to your behaviours, addictions, or emotional struggles. Your therapist will guide you in developing new, healthier coping strategies to manage these conditions and empower you on your path to recovery.
We are happy to assist you in working with your insurance provider to ensure you receive the treatment you need. Coverage may vary depending on your insurer, so we recommend contacting them directly to confirm the specifics of what is covered before beginning your treatment.
We welcome referrals from GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, case managers, and other healthcare professionals. To refer your clients or patients, please reach out via email, phone, or by completing our online contact form.
At The Beekeeper, you are not only receiving treatment for addiction or mental health challenges, but also embarking on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
The Beekeeper focuses on providing comprehensive care for individuals facing both addiction and mental health challenges. We offer your loved ones the opportunity to heal, grow, and find balance in a supportive environment.
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