The Diocese of Bandung in West Java Province, through the Sekar Mawar Foundation, continues to encourage young Catholics to adopt healthy lifestyles and avoid various forms of addiction that are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern society.
One of these efforts took shape through a public educational program titled “Healthy Living without Addiction,” held on April 21 at the Bumi Silih Asih Function Hall. The event formed part of activities commemorating the 94th anniversary of the Diocese of Bandung last month.
The program offered interactive learning sessions for young Catholics focused on recognizing and preventing behavioral addictions, including dependence on gadgets, online gaming, and online gambling.
Organizers stressed that addiction is not limited to drugs or substance abuse. It can also arise from excessive behaviors or activities that eventually disrupt a person’s social, emotional, and spiritual life.
“This condition occurs when someone becomes highly dependent on a particular activity. Although it does not involve addictive substances, the psychological effects can resemble those caused by drug or alcohol addiction,” said Kunik, one of the facilitators from the Sekar Mawar Foundation.
During the session, participants were invited to reflect on their own habits through simple questions, including whether they found it difficult to detach from smartphones, online games, or other digital activities.
Facilitators explained that behavioral addiction is often marked by repetitive urges to engage in certain activities, difficulty controlling the behavior despite knowing its harmful consequences, and using the activity as an escape from personal problems or emotional stress.
Kunik said preventing behavioral addiction begins with self-awareness and recognizing emotional triggers such as stress, boredom, or loneliness. Young people were also encouraged to develop healthier coping mechanisms through sports, creative activities, journaling, and conversations with trusted individuals.
“Prevention does not mean avoiding everything enjoyable, but rather learning to use things consciously, in balance, and not as an escape from life’s problems,” she said.
The educational event was part of a broader series of public seminars that previously featured topics such as realistic painting techniques, nutrition for individuals with special needs, disability inclusion, food security and household waste management, and theater workshops for the elderly.
In addition to seminars and workshops, the Diocese of Bandung also organized exhibitions and product sales featuring works by Catholic social communities and artists. The activities aimed to introduce the public to the diocese’s social services while promoting community participation in creative and social initiatives.
Participants showed strong enthusiasm throughout the discussions and question-and-answer sessions. Many said they were surprised to learn that behavioral addiction could have serious consequences and, in extreme cases, even endanger lives.
Through the program, organizers hope participants will become more capable of recognizing the signs of behavioral addiction, understanding preventive measures, and developing healthier and more balanced lifestyles free from dependency.
