GET HELP NOW: Other Addictive Behaviors

Any activity, substance, object, or behavior that has become the major focus of a person's life to the exclusion of other activities, or that has begun to harm the individual or other people is considered an addictive behavior. It is not uncommon for an individual to engage in two or more of these behaviors, including substance abuse, at the same time or at different times over his/her life. Some of these behaviors include gambling, sex, spending money, over-or-under-eating, computer use, exercise, excessive religiosity and work.

There is much debate over what is actually an addiction and what is simply compulsive or addictive behavior, but most experts agree that help is needed when compulsive activities begin to compromise, disrupt or destroy one's life, relationships or vocation.

Call Compass Mark at (717) 299-2831 for an up-to-date list of treatment providers.

The National Council on Problem Gambling
The national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families

Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem

Gam-Anon
A life-saving instrument for the partner, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers

Internet-a-holics Anonymous
For compulsive Internet users and their loved ones

Center for Internet Addiction Recovery
Resources for compulsive internet users, their families and friends, including an online support group and recovery blog

Video Game Addiction
Site created by a former gamer and video game addict

Mothers Against Videogame Addiction & Violence (MAVAV)
A parent’s perspective on compulsive video game use

Sexaholics Anonymous
The Central PA Sexaholics Anonymous Intergroup holds one meeting in Lancaster County.

Sex Addicts Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction and help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency

Overeaters Anonymous
A 12-step program of recovery from compulsive eating

Compulsive Exercise
FAQs from University of Pennsylvania’s Office of Health Education

Shopaholics Anonymous
The Shulman Center’s site for compulsive shoppers and shoplifters

Debtors Anonymous
For people who’s compulsive behaviors prevent them from being financially stable

Workaholics Anonymous 
A fellowship of individuals who share their experienceswith each other that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from workaholism

Emotions Anonymous
Composed of people who come together for the purpose of working toward recovery from emotional difficulties

Co-Dependents Anonymous 
A fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships

Clutterers Anonymous
A fellowship whose primary purpose is to stop cluttering one day at a time and to carry this message of recovery to clutterers who still suffer