Everyone processes and deals with emotions in different ways, and some coping mechanisms or behaviours may be more problematic than others. Those who turn to behaviours such as gambling, video games, sex, or the internet may experience temporary relief. However, over time these behaviours can become addictive, interfering with everyday activities, relationships, and work. Many try to stop these behaviours but find that it’s nearly impossible. This is known as behavioural addiction, which is now treated similarly to other types of addiction.
If you or a loved one are experiencing a behavioural addiction, the specially trained therapists and clinical teams at The Beekeeper House are here to help. Our eclectic approach to therapy offers the ideal setup for process and behavioural addiction treatment. The best time to begin treatment is right now—so call us today.
Unlike substance use disorders, in which a person develops a dependence on substances such as alcohol or drugs, behavioural addiction (also known as process addiction) refers to a dependence on certain behaviours. People become addicted to the good feelings that result from performing these behaviours. They also interfere with daily activities, such as work, school, or building social relationships. There are several types of behavioural addictions that a person may face. It is
crucial to develop a comprehensive approach to behavioural addiction treatment to
understand and remedy the underlying root causes.
Some of the most common behavioural addictions that we treat at The Beekeeper House in Thailand include, but are not limited to:
Behavioural Addictions That We Treat
Gambling addiction is currently the only behavioural addiction that is diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Gambling addiction develops when a person compulsively gambles their money, and they are unable to stop. They may also develop financial problems from losses, which interfere with their work or family life.
Food addiction occurs when a person cannot control their food consumption, especially foods that are high in fat, sugar, and/or salt. Studies show that food can trigger the reward centre of the brain, similar to how illicit substances like heroin or cocaine do. People with food addiction continue to eat compulsively, despite knowing the adverse effects.
Shopping addiction, also known as oniomania or compulsive shopping, involves a person buying items to feel good or avoid negative emotions. They may continue to shop for unneeded items or ones that are too expensive to afford. With this, shopping addictions may lead to relationship strain and financial issues.
Sex addiction develops when a person has increasing thoughts about sex, risky or inappropriate sexual activities, or extramarital affairs. Sex addiction can also manifest in an addiction to pornography, or computer or phone sex. Those who suffer from sex addiction may experience relationship and workplace issues, negatively impacting various aspects of their lives.
Internet addiction occurs when a person excessively uses the internet or social media, becoming dependent on it to cope with stress and emotions. They may use the internet for several hours a day, which interferes with other daily activities. People with internet addiction may also develop a tolerance and even withdrawal symptoms when they cannot use the internet, such as nervousness or irritability.
Like internet addiction, video game addiction involves compulsively playing video games for several hours a day. Video game addictions are most common in people who play Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), which are more social and interactive than other games. This type of addiction can impact academic performance, sleeping habits, and overall health.
Knowing the signs of a process addiction can help you tell the difference between an addictive behaviour and a non-addictive behaviour.
Signs of a process addiction include:
Having a difficult time reducing or stopping the behaviour.
Continuing the behaviour despite the negative effects.
Performing the behaviour instead of fulfilling work, school, or family obligations.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop the behaviour.
Developing a dependence on a behaviour to function or feel “normal” during your day, or to handle your emotions.
Thinking about, performing, or recovering from the effects of a behaviour for a significant amount of time.
Since behavioural addictions and substance use disorders are so similar, they are often treated using the same programs. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and 12-step programmes. In addition, we offer holistic health approaches and complementary treatments to support not only your mental health but your overall health as well.
We use techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy (MCBT), and a 12-Step framework to help you become more aware of how your thoughts and feelings are connected to your behavioural addiction. We also use motivational enhancements, motivational interviewing, and 12-step self-help programmes to address addiction.
Enjoy meals prepared by our award-winning chef, who is also a trained nutritionist. Optimal nutrition is key in the early recovery process, setting your body, mind, and spirit up for success.
We offer several reactional activities to help restore your body and spirit, including yoga, massages, cycling, personal training, Muay Thai kickboxing, and mountain hiking.
Every client at our rehab centre receives instruction on the art of meditation. Each day is scheduled with times dedicated to therapy, mindfulness, exercise, and excursions.
At The Beekeeper House, the primary goal of your treatment is to understand your strengths to address your addiction and take control of your life routines.
Being in nature is a proven healer for several mental health conditions. We encourage our clients to spend ample time in our surrounding forests, lakes, and rivers to reconnect with their surroundings.
During treatment, you will develop the skills required to identify your addictive or problematic behaviours and reduce them. Developing the ability to recognize and mitigate these problems is an important and empowering part of your treatment.
Inpatient (or residential) behavioural addiction treatment is typically seen as the most effective option for treating addictions and making significant life changes. Inpatient treatment fully prioritizes your recovery, helping you avoid distractions and the potential to fall back into addictive behaviours. At our Thailand-based addiction centre, each day is scheduled with times dedicated to therapy, mindfulness, exercise, and excursions to provide a well-rounded treatment experience.
South East Asia’s leading treatment centre
Our behavioural addiction centre is located in the historical city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Also known as the “Rose of the North,” this area is famous for its cool weather, picturesque mountains, cool climate, and scenic views. Our resort-style treatment centre is nestled high in the hills, surrounded by lush forests with incredible vistas. Alongside our spacious and comfortable bedrooms, we offer pools, yoga, meditation, and recreation areas for your enjoyment.
Our therapists are specially trained to promote not only your mental health but your overall well-being. Our Thailand rehab and treatment centre is based on putting the client at the centre of our approach. Behavioural addiction is often misunderstood, and our therapists and clinical teams are specially trained in techniques specifically designed to address these underlying behaviours. We utilize an eclectic approach to therapy that draws upon evidence-based approaches in clinical psychology. With this, we tailor our program to every client’s needs.
Before traveling to Thailand, our admissions team will help you complete your necessary paperwork and meet entry requirements. For our residential Process Addiction Rehab program and Behavioural Addiction Tfreament program in Thailand, you will stay for at least 35 days, completing treatment focusing on evidence-based clinical psychology techniques, mindfulness, and other approaches to help treat your process addiction.
Holistic therapy can help you connect with yourself in ways you haven’t before. It can help you learn more about yourself by identifying your inner strengths and resources. With this newfound information, you can begin to understand the underlying causes of your mental health conditions. Your therapist will support you in developing new ways of managing and coping with these conditions, behaviours, or addictions.
We are happy to work with your insurance company to get you the treatment you need. Depending on your insurance company, you may have some or all of your treatment covered. It is best to call them and confirm what is covered before beginning treatment.
We accept referrals from GP's, psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, case managers, and other health professionals. To refer your clients or patients, please get in touch by sending us an email, giving us a call or filling out our online contact form.
When you come to The Beekeeper House, you are not just getting treatment for your addiction or mental health issue - you are also embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
The Beekeeper House directs its efforts towards the treatment of comprehensive care and the co-existence of addiction and mental health issues. They will provide your loved ones opportunities to heal and grow.
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