It is hard to put into words just how much this program helped me. The HBR program offered tons of tools and resources, making it easy to apply to everyday life. The ongoing support was essential in my recovery. I am incredibly grateful for the help I received without having to uproot my entire life.
Reconnect With Life Beyond The Screen
Screens and games have become a natural part of everyday life. However, when screen time starts to pull you away from what truly matters it’s a clear sign to pause and reconsider.
Excessive gaming or scrolling can quietly disrupt your sleep, focus, and mood, leading to feelings of isolation or stress.
The good news is that you do not have to face this alone. Real change is possible, and it starts here.
Flexible, Evidence-Based Program
Home Based Recovery provides flexible, evidence-based online programs designed to help you regain control over your digital habits. Through tailored coaching and practical strategies, you will learn how to set healthy boundaries with technology, manage urges, and create fulfilling offline routines.
Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting a loved one, HBR offers compassionate support that meets you where you are and helps you move forward.
Introducing Home Based Recovery
Online Recovery Programs for Gaming/Screen Addiction
Choose the support style that fits your life and needs best – whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone you care about.
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HBR for Individuals
Home Based Recovery connects you with real specialists for addiction and mental health, no waitlists, no travel. Start making change at your own pace, wherever you are. -
HBR for Family Members
Support navigating the challenges of a loved one’s substance use or mental health concerns while learning to look after your own wellbeing. -
Virtual Counselling
Confidential counselling for a wide range of mental health and substance use concerns. For couples and individuals, all from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Reviews from HBR Alumni
It's hard to put into words just how much this program helped me. If you're looking to make a change in your life, but are unsure where to begin or how to go about it, the HBR program is a great place to start. It offers tons of tools and resources that are easy to apply to everyday life, and the support you receive (not only during the bulk of the program, but continuing on after) has been essential in my own personal recovery. I was able to get the help I needed without uprooting my entire life. I am so, so grateful to Michael Walsh, as well as everyone else involved in the program.
Struggling to Disconnect?
Reclaim Your Time and Focus
Discover flexible online support designed to help you balance screen use and life. Connect with HBR’s specialists who understand digital addiction and can guide you at your own pace.
What to Expect
How HBR Works
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Get Started
Contact our team today to start an honest conversation about your goals and challenges.
Complete an Assessment
Fill out our secure online intake form so we can understand your tech habits and what you want to change.
Get Matched With Your Coach
We will connect you with a Canadian Certified Recovery Coach (CCRC) who specializes in digital wellness and behaviour change.
Start Your Online Program
Access daily or flexible coaching (your choice), plus structured online lessons and exercises. It is all designed to help you reset your relationship with screens.
Ongoing Support & Aftercare
Once your 30 days are up, you keep working with your coach through six months of aftercare for continued progress and accountability (included in the Guided Path package).
Family Support (Optional)
HBR’s focused Safe Ground program is available for families who want guidance on supporting loved ones struggling with gaming or screen time issues.
Are Virtual Gaming & Screen Time Treatment Programs Effective?
Research shows that online programs can be just as effective as in-person options for helping people manage problematic gaming and screen habits. Canadian clinics have reported strong outcomes: one national survey found over 70% of participants reduced their daily screen use by at least two hours after completing an online intervention.
Virtual support is especially helpful because it meets people right where the problem exists – in their own homes and devices. Coaching provides real-time strategies for setting boundaries, managing urges, and building healthier offline routines. Studies also show that having ongoing access to support increases success rates compared to one-off interventions.
Change does not happen overnight – but with the right guidance and accountability, most people can find a healthier relationship with technology while still enjoying the benefits it brings.
Learn More
Resources & FAQs
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What is Digital Overuse?
Gaming and screen time addiction – sometimes called “technology dependence” or “digital overuse” – happens when time spent online or on devices starts to control your life. This is extremely common; after all, technology is part of nearly everything we do. But when the urge to game, scroll, or binge-watch gets in the way of school, work, relationships or physical health, it can signal a deeper issue.
The goal is not “no screens ever” — that is unrealistic — but finding a workable balance that lets you enjoy tech without feeling trapped by it through intentional use, clear boundaries, and other practical skills.
Common Signs of Tech Dependence
- Losing track of time online or gaming and staying up later than planned
- Struggling to cut back despite wanting to
- Feeling irritable, low, or restless when away from your device
- Sleep disruption: late‑night use, trouble winding down, or waking to check notifications
- Slipping grades or work performance; missed deadlines
- Withdrawing from offline activities or friends
- Headaches, eye strain, or neck/shoulder tension
- Money issues from in‑app purchases or subscriptions you don’t use
These patterns do not mean someone is “lazy” or “weak” – technology is designed to hook us in. But when screen time is affecting sleep, mood, or relationships most weeks it might be time to take a closer look.
How Excess Screen Time Affects Health and Daily Life
Late-night use and blue light can delay sleep, leading to tiredness that worsens mood, focus, and appetite control. Long stretches on devices can trigger eye strain, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain, while sitting more often means less activity and daylight. Emotionally, heavy recreational use is linked with higher rates of low mood and anxiety in many studies, and constant notifications fragment attention, making deep work harder. Socially and at school or work, tiredness and distraction can strain relationships, increase conflict about availability or chores, and lead to missed deadlines or lower-quality work; unplanned spending on in-app purchases or subscriptions can add financial stress.
Small resets, such as protecting the hour before bed, trimming notifications, adding gentle offline routines, and agreeing shared no-phone times, can make a noticeable difference.
Online Treatment for Gaming/Screen Addiction FAQs
Who is HBR’s online gaming/screen recovery program for?
Anyone who feels their use of gaming, social media, or devices is interfering with daily life – or parents/loved ones worried about someone else’s tech habits.
How does HBR work?
You will get matched with a coach for daily or flexible online sessions, plus access to evidence-based materials and six months of aftercare support – all from home.
Can online programs for screen or gaming addiction work?
Yes. The difference with HBR is that our program is structured, time-limited, and focused on building healthier tech habits – not banning screens altogether. We help you develop skills to use technology intentionally, not impulsively, and guide you through setting boundaries that work in the real world. Our goal is to help you control your device – not the other way around.
How do you avoid increasing screen time during the program?
We are mindful of this – our sessions are short, focused, and built around practical exercises that get you away from your screen where possible. Coaching includes actionable tips for creating offline routines, and we help set up systems (like app blockers or scheduled disconnects) to support your progress.
Can I really change my relationship with technology without going “cold turkey”?
Absolutely. Most people do not need to quit screens altogether; they just need a healthier balance. Our approach is about moderation, awareness, and building habits that fit your life – not unrealistic all-or-nothing rules.
Is this program just for teenagers?
Not at all. While parents often reach out for their kids or teens, problematic screen use affects adults too – whether it is gaming, social media, work emails, or endless scrolling. Our coaches support people of all ages.
What if my family is not supportive or does not understand the problem?
That is common, and it is why we offer the Safe Ground family program. We help loved ones understand what is going on and teach practical ways to encourage positive change without nagging or ultimatums.
What makes HBR different from just downloading a self-help app?
HBR combines real human coaching with structured guidance, so you are not left on your own. You get accountability, empathy, and strategies that actually fit your life – not generic advice.
Will I lose all my friends or fun if I cut back on gaming/screens?
Finding balance does not mean giving up what you enjoy – it means having more time and energy for things that matter to you. We work with you to find a sustainable middle ground, so you still get the benefits of tech without the downsides.
