Behavioral addictions can hide in plain sight. You may see a friend always gaming, a sibling endlessly scrolling, or a partner retreating into shopping or online porn—but not know how to talk about it without pushing them away.

This article focuses on building empathy, starting conversations, and supporting recovery.

🧠 Why People Struggle to Open Up

Many people don’t see behavioral addictions as “real” problems—or they’re ashamed to admit they’ve lost control.
Common internal thoughts:

• “I should be able to manage this myself.”

• “It’s not like I’m doing drugs.”

• “No one would understand.”

That’s why how you approach the topic matters.

🗣️ What to Say (And Not Say)

✅ DO:

• Start with curiosity, not confrontation:
  “Hey, I’ve noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time on this—how are you feeling lately?”

• Focus on impact, not blame:
  “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. I’m here for you.”

• Normalize help-seeking:
  “Many people go through this—there’s support, and it really helps.”

• Offer to assist practically:
  “Want me to look up someone with you?”

❌ AVOID:

• Accusations: “You’re addicted to your phone.”

• Shaming: “Why can’t you just stop?”

• Ultimatums: “If you don’t quit this, I’m done.”

👂 The Power of Listening

Most people don’t want solutions. They want to feel heard, not judged.

Be the one they can open up to—not run away from.

Try:

• Reflective listening: “So it feels like you’ve lost track of time lately.”

• Affirmation: “Thanks for being honest about this.”

• Patience: change is slow. Be present.

🌱 Encourage Healthy Alternatives

• Suggest screen-free shared activities: walks, coffee, board games, weekend trips

• Model healthy boundaries: put your own phone down too

• Celebrate small wins together: “Hey, you didn’t open that app once today—amazing.”

🧑‍⚕️ Know When to Bring in a Professional

Encourage a visit to a therapist or psychiatrist if:

• The habit is clearly affecting health, work, or relationships

• They’ve tried to stop but can’t

• They’re emotionally distressed, anxious, or ashamed

• You feel overwhelmed trying to help alone

📍 In Chennai? Support Is Available

If someone you care about is stuck in a behavioral loop and can’t break free—show them this article. Or offer to come with them.

📞 Book a consultation with:

Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T
Consultant Psychiatrist
📍Apollo Clinic – Velachery & Tambaram, Chennai
📧 srinivasaiims@gmail.com
📱 85951 55808

Sometimes the first step isn’t theirs—it’s yours.
Start the conversation. It can change everything.